Seasonal Greetings!

I'm sitting here with a goblet of gluhwein, reflecting on the festivities so far this month and looking forward to the next week or two.  We celebrated our family Christmas a couple of weeks ago, as my son was home for a short visit.  It was such a lovely family day with all four generations present, ending with us singing around the piano, which is my idea of a perfect day!  Grandkids and their parents joined me to have breakfast with Santa at the beginning of the month and I have just had a visit from New Zealand cousins.  I feel very fortunate to have had such a lovely time over the past few weeks, but in the past I have had less happy times, and am well aware of the challenges some of us have, as we cope with the memories, expectations and stresses (quite often self-imposed) linked to the various festivities at this time of the year.  We often want things to be 'perfect', whether it's cooking the 'perfect' meal, buying the 'perfect' gift, having the 'perfect' relationship, having a 'perfect' visit with our friends and/or families and all of that can take away the joy from the special moments we do experience.  

​Mindfulness has helped me through many tricky times over the years. It has helped me to appreciate life 'moment by moment'.  Instead of looking at that half-empty glass, be grateful it is half full, feel gratitude for the electric light bulb that brightens up the dark winter days, the thick socks that keep your feet warm when you're outside, the smile that is returned when you smile and acknowledge someone walking towards you..... The list of possible moments to be grateful for is endless! 

​This Christmas (or whichever festive event you celebrate) might not be the 'perfect' Christmas but it can be appreciated more by noticing those moments (it's catching!) and then observe how much easier it becomes to notice more moments. People who look for the positives in life tend to be healthier, happier, heal quicker and generally enjoy life more!  

​Wishing you the very best for the festive season and 2019! 

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