Make this Advent Shine
Anticipation. Longing. Hope. I am feeling all these things as we enter into the Advent season. I use this time to reflect on the year, pray about the year ahead, and seek wisdom on how I am spending my time.
Everyday Gratitude
I’ll admit it, fall is my favorite season. It always has been, even before it became popular. One of the things I love about this time of year is how most people intentionally look at gratitude as they prepare for American Thanksgiving. But I am finding that this intentional gratitude helps me every day not only in the fall. Here are some ways I keep gratitude in the forefront of my mind throughout the year.
Cherish
The things I truly cherish are not to be bought.
Pursuing Life
I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. Those are just disappointment and shame waiting to happen. And I don’t know about you, but I don’t need either of those things in my life. Several years ago, someone introduced me to having a word for the whole year to focus on and it is something I have adopted. It has served me well. I am continually amazed at how on-target each word has been for me.
The Most Wonderful Time of the Year
I just love this time of year. To me, the holiday season starts with my birthday in late October and runs until Epiphany. It may seem like a long time to you, but it goes by so quickly. It is a time of togetherness & family, to celebrate another year passing, to remember what we are thankful for, to anticipate the coming of Christ, and to start anew.
I ain’t afraid
I recently had a milestone birthday, the dreaded five-oh. Except, I don’t dread 50. I am excited!
Oh, I Try
I have a love-hate relationship with routine. The monotony of it bores me and I find it anything but stimulating. On the other hand, there is some comfort in doing things in a particular order. Thinking is not as involved because it is familiar and there is less chance of decision fatigue. I’m realizing that I prefer the word rhythm to the word routine to talk about things I do (almost) daily. It has a sense of ease about it, not as strict. My mind (and soul) rebels a little at the confining thought of doing the same things over and over.
It is well
I realized that this space I had unwittingly created was good. It was a much-needed break for my well-being. A time to refocus and reenergize. I am not going to feel guilty for listening to my own needs and giving myself a little room.
