Tag Archives: holidays

My Only Wish (This Year)

Posted in Normal People Things, She. Me. Her., That's What the World Is Today by

Christmas has always been my favorite holiday. What kid doesn’t love the twinkling lights, the tree covered in bits and baubles, and (of course) the presents that awaited on Christmas morning? As an adult, I still look forward to this time of year.

It’s the spirit.

My mom made tons of holiday treats—yogurt dipped pretzels, peanut butter fudge, and her famous chocolate no-bake cookies—and I, her assistant elf, helped deliver the goodies to family like Santa in his sleigh. We sat a spell, cracking jokes and telling stories, then headed to our next delivery for more of the same. We carried a spirit of giving, fellowship, and gratitude.

This time of year, we have fun. We give. We look forward to the promise a new year can bring. We intend; we manifest; we resolve.

I wish we kept the spirit all year long. Especially now, as so much tragedy unfolds in the world. 

May we all move forward with positive intent and gracious hearts. May we demonstrate with our actions the age old adage “’tis better to give than to receive.” May we love our neighbors as we love ourselves, and love ourselves fiercely. 

Thank U

Posted in family, Home Life, Normal People Things, She. Me. Her., That's What the World Is Today, Work Life, You + Me = Us by

This week I (like many of y’all) am celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday in my hometown. Family, fellowship, and food–the holy trinity of this particular celebration. An opportunity to appreciate all we have…then go out and buy more on Black Friday! And of course, the question asked around dinner tables every single year…

“What are you thankful for?”

The pandemic made me extremely thankful for the many blessings in my life. I imagine others had a similar onslaught of overwhelming appreciation for life, health, and other things oft taken for granted. COVID really helped us put things in perspective, y’all.

But sometimes it’s hard to see the sugar for all the shit.

Lately I’ve been stressed, depressed, and just plain exhausted. Work life has tried me. Home life has tried me. My inner saboteur has been working overtime to convince me I’m a terrible human being who only deserves the worst in life.

How am I supposed to find the sugar in all that shit???

I’m thankful I have a job, even if it feels like work gets added but never gets taken away. I’m thankful for my family and friends, even if we don’t always see eye to eye. I’m thankful to see another season, even with the cold, dark, windy days. Every day I draw breath is a great day, even if it doesn’t always feel like it. Because each day gives me the opportunity to be thankful for the beautiful things–big and small.

And if you have nothing else to be thankful for…

Be thankful for the ability to be thankful.