Welcome to my fifth blog!! Starting with an uplifting and encouraging message of hope as the bells of festive activity ring, bringing days of carolling, relaxing with those beloved and sharing good will... the picture above recalls a wonderful memory on my final day of a sports tour in Malta where a friend and I found some of the best juices and Nutella-filled pastries! A little indulgence now and again to keep yourself positive is always good :)
As Christmas approaches with ever increasing speed, let us take a moment to consider the importance of maintaining good will all year round, and how this is the time to remind all those dear around you that they are not alone and are loved. As the days grows shorter with the darkness seeking to overthrow our happiness, it is easy to feel less motivation on a daily basis and especially when the nature of a consumerist society expects everything to be instantaneously magical, as soon as the advent calendars hit the shelves...this seems to be earlier every year. Often far away from these dreams, reality of life hits hard. Perfection is not always achievable.
The words below emphasise a valuable and encouraging lesson, from which we may take strength:
"Good company is important, it helps to cultivate good qualities"
As we near the time of year which signifies a stretch of time for rest, we would do well to remember the sign which is regularly shown throughout December and January, applied to many items purchased as gifts, but especially pets = "... is for life, not just for Christmas". With consumers in the UK estimated to use around 227,000 miles of wrapping paper, and over 1 billion Christmas cards ending up in the bin, we should stop to consider our own individual impact, together with those nearest and dearest around us. If we all agree in our own communities to reduce our usual superfluous physical gifts, and improve our emotional offerings, I think there may be a lot more balance and unity throughout the world. As William James says "Act as if what you do makes a difference. It does". The fact that there are so many similarly inspiring and heartening quotes such as this, implies that there is truth and meaning behind all our lives. We just need to step back and take the time for ourselves and others, a perfect opportunity at this time of year as we are all comfortable with family and friends to celebrate Christmas and a charming story linked with a marvellous leader who brought light and life for those who had lost their direction in life.
Given that our society seems to demand greater efficiency and immediacy in many industries including food, fashion, travel and many more, why don't we pause for a second? Now. Take the time for yourself and your loved ones and consider what is really needed. It might indeed be that new watch, bike, item of clothing. Or perhaps the answer is simpler. There may be someone who needs a reminder that they are surrounded by people who love and care for them. And Christmas is the time to seize the opportunity and express that simple emotion.
Peace be with you...
A common phrase used in the religious setting but an apt selection of words to keep close to your heart. If we all take the time to spread this notion of positivity within our own communities, I am sure that the world will become a happier place and continue to exist that way beyond the excitement of Christmas.
Words by Leonard Limoy strike relevance here:
"The miracle is this - the more we share, the more we have"
This seems rather in opposition to the multiple adverts which pervade every possible screen which we encounter, persuading us that if we buy a certain product, then our desires will be satisfied. But the words above point in a different direction, which suggests that we invest time and energy into distributing all that we have, perhaps in terms of materialistic objects such as money or physical gifts, but more importantly, in terms of the stronger connections and bonds which exist between people and humanity itself. Think about all of the role-models in your life and how they were willing to stand up for what they believed in. This doesn't necessarily mean drastic public action, but in fact, every personal touch within the circle of your loved ones adds up to more than you may imagine. #circleoflife
The joy you give to others is the joy that comes back to you...
Having recently attended a concert by a wonderufl female artist in which she manifestly spoke from the heart, it made me consider more deeply how we are constantly compared and contrasted with fellow human beings around us. At a time when we should think about a miraculous story which brought people from all backgrounds together, including shepherds, wise men and even animals in a stable, instead we are faced with calculations about how much we should spend on various gifts in order to make sure that we are joining in with the Christmas cheer. Of course, sharing presents encourages festive cheer and good will but remember to act in a kind and loving way, and embrace the similarities which we all share as we live on this planet together and move towards Christmas and the festive time of year. Try not to judge others purely on account of the gifts, but remember the heartfelt motives behind every action. #homosapienstogether
Christmas is forever, not for just one day. For loving, sharing, giving, are not to be put away...
As we have considered thus far, it seems that the importance of Christmas time may be easily lost behind the constant adverts about the glamorous and idealised family Christmas with the perfect Christmas dinner... this may not be a reality for many people whose family are separate for a multitude of different reasons, but this is where sharing appreciation and kindness provides comfort for those in more challenging circumstances. Be grateful for everything you have, including any of those new purchases made during this time of year but ultimately, including all of those important people in your lives, without whom you would not be here. Remember what human qualities unite us all in this world and how simple acts of compassion can have truly monumental effects. Everyone deserves to enjoy this time of year so keep your heart open and believe. Recall the words from the Polar Express whenever there is doubt = "The bell still rings for those who truly believe". That bell may be internal and external, but a reminder for what stands important for you.
Take heart from Norman Vincent Peale when he says "Christmas waves a magic wand over the world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful"...
Sharing is caring...
As December swiftly approaches, take the time to reflect on who around you may need you the most at this time, as Christmas brings happiness and joy to so many of us, but can also leave others feeling alone and lonely. Whether it is a smile to a fellow passer-by, delivering a home-made mince-pie to a neighbour, or a visit to someone who you love, think about the ways in which you can end this month of November in good cheer and begin December by sharing all that you have, which will lead into an inclusive January.
Let us finish with a joyful quote by Anne Frank to keep us looking outwards:
"No one has ever become poor by giving"
Love,
Sitara xxx
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