Does the busyness of the Season raise you up, or bring you down?

Truthfully, during this time of year I feel I lose myself to a growing list of commitments and expectations from others. When I observe my self-talk complaining about too much to do in too little time, that’s my cue to get out of my head and drop into my heart.

My heart is my touchstone to the world around me and when I turn my thoughts to others, compassion rises. This compassion spreads to those in my community and in my country who are less fortunate that I, and to those around the world who are fighting for their freedom or theirs lives.

Suddenly my big list of to-dos is transformed into a growing list of gratitude, and I feel blessed for the:

- gifts I am able to buy
- friends I am lucky to have to gather with to celebrate the Season
- home that I have to decorate
- garbage collector and mailman for whom I have to remember to leave a card
- wonderful people who serve me along the way: the sales clerk, the UPS guy, the 800# customer service rep, etc.
- family I am fortunate enough to be with to celebrate Christmas
- I am even grateful for the lines in the stores as I get to commiserate with a stranger behind me about how busy we are–in that moment we share a connection and that is beautiful!

Dropping into our hearts can change our focus from how much we have to do with so little time, to how blessed we are to be able to do for others, with the precious little time we have been given.

Wishing us all peace and joy in the weeks ahead. Cheers!