It may seem too early to talk about resolutions. But I'm reflecting today about my resolution to make this holiday season different. I resolve to rush less and relax more. I would stress less about gift buying and enjoy more of the holiday concerts, get togethers and conversations with valued friends.
Today, then, is a time to step back and look at that resolution. How am I doing? This is not a time to measure shortcomings, but to take an honest analysis of where I am and compare it to where I would like to be.
Am I behaving like a person of peace? Am I bringing encouragement to others? Am I insisting on being first during that lane change and first into the store doorway?
What is my sore back telling me about the wrapping and decorating I have been doing? They let me know that I am overdoing it again. So for today's pot luck party, I will let go of trying to impress my friends with my culinary skills and show up with a bottle of store-bought dip and 2 boxes of crackers.
For me it is a step towards truly enjoying today.
May today bring you moments to step back, evaluate, and enjoy more.
Wednesday, December 14, 2011
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
One of the best gifts to give
At this time of year, we rush and scurry to decorate, cook, clean, party, and fill the calendar with important stuff. (Or is it important?)
Today someone asked me to listen. I was simultaneously nodding and gesticulating to the Goodwill attendant and I was dropping off unneeded items (don't we have homes full of them, really?) The person on the phone did not know that I was soon driving to the next errand as I gave half an ear to her concerns. I am ashamed to admit this dual "listening."
Earlier in the day, a different phone call held a different scenario. I sat motionless in the chair, stopping all activity, and I focused on the voice on the other end of the line. It was one hundred percent listening, even though the calendar tried to tempt me to "away! away! Do two things at once!"
Who in your day will request the gift of listening from you?
How willing will you be to offer the gift?
Listening is one of the best gifts you can give someone else this season.
Today someone asked me to listen. I was simultaneously nodding and gesticulating to the Goodwill attendant and I was dropping off unneeded items (don't we have homes full of them, really?) The person on the phone did not know that I was soon driving to the next errand as I gave half an ear to her concerns. I am ashamed to admit this dual "listening."
Earlier in the day, a different phone call held a different scenario. I sat motionless in the chair, stopping all activity, and I focused on the voice on the other end of the line. It was one hundred percent listening, even though the calendar tried to tempt me to "away! away! Do two things at once!"
Who in your day will request the gift of listening from you?
How willing will you be to offer the gift?
Listening is one of the best gifts you can give someone else this season.
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