As I sit here to write this, outside light snow is falling, creating a wonderful winter wonderland a week before December 25th. It is promising to be a white Christmas as most of us hope for in Canada. There are parties, presents, many movies about Christmas, tobogganing, children joyous about the last week of school and lots of food bringing people together. Love and Joy abounds this time of year, cards are exchanged wishing a Happy Christmas and joyous New Year, presents are exchanged and family and friends we see but once a year are visited. Many words are exchanged, often including "we should do this more often?".
The holidays, no matter what you celebrate, are a time of joy and celebration, they tend to bring out the best in people. But why so much now, in December? Why don't we live this joy and love with the same vigor throughout the year?
It's as if we are expected to be joyous and loving this time of year, we somehow feel obligated to be. It is our time to show people we love what they mean to us, with gifts or cards or celebrations in person. Shouldn't we be celebrating people we love throughout the year? Showing them how much they mean to us and not just when it is expected?
I used to be the person who celebrated people in my life when the expectation was there, birthdays, Christmas. Now I strive to do it everyday, often telling friends "I love you" or bring them a little gift when I see them, or texting them how much they mean to me, in July, May or September.
With the joyous time of year full in your heart, remember the feeling of love when you see someone this season or observe someone opening a gift from a cherished loved one, or just being in someone's presence. Carry that with you in 2018, call them more often, send a quick text in January telling them how special they are to you, send a thoughtful card (people love getting mail), leave a voicemail telling them what they mean to you, Skype someone afar, ask hem for a last minute coffee face to face if they are nearby, start a walking group for your girlfriends or a pot luck supper club, or a games night with your partner and friends once a month. Connect. Create an amazing community around you of Love and Joy, year round and see what 2018 brings you!
Happy Holidays!
In Love and Happiness,
Alison
Alison Stuckey founded Live Love and Joy almost 2 years ago when she realized the world needed more happy, positive mindset and energy. She conducts mindset and energy workshops including a lot of science, tying mindset to energy and how it works in conjunction with emotions. She also offers mindset and energy coaching.
Alison is the Branch Director in Happy Healthy Women's Uptown Toronto Branch