Creative Thinking: On Holidays

ON HOLIDAYSIt's my second Christmas without Stan and I've decided to give myself a gift this holiday season - the holidays themselves. I have decided that I need JOY in my life and I am embracing Christmas this year like I haven't in a long time. I am listening to Christmas music, I've decorated, I'm going to start addressing Christmas cards (tomorrow), and I have already bought all my gifts for friends and family (in China!). I have already had several nogs with whisky (not too many), and I suppose I'd better make some cookies.
     Because one of the gifts Stan gave me, even in his passing, is that having gone through the worst that a spouse can experience has put the rest of my life into perspective. Nothing is on fire anymore. I am calmer than I've ever been. I don't worry as much. And for the most part, I'm sleeping better. If I could have him back healthy, I would; but that's not what the universe gave us. Rather, I had him for a brief, beautiful moment, and it's up to me to shape this new chapter of my life in a way that would make him proud and will make me happy. So much of it is up to me.
     Therefore, the magic of this holiday season is that I am open to its magic. I wish the same for you and your loved ones and hope you let your heart fill with a little bit of magic this year too.