CHRISTMAS on EASTER?
Absurd?
Blasphemy?
Unheard of?
Ludacris?
. . .right on time?
Christmas really never means anything, in fact, it probably doesn’t even exist unless Easter happens and gives it its own special definition. . . and in just a moment, adds colorful splashes of light on our traffic laden dim and darkened paths. . . .
WHAT A HEART HOLDS
“The work of the mature person is to carry grief in one hand and gratitude in the other and to be stretched large by them.
How much sorrow can I hold? That’s how much gratitude I can give. If I carry only grief, I’ll bend toward cynicism and despair.
If I have only gratitude, I’ll become saccharine and won’t develop much compassion for other people’s suffering.
Grief keeps the heart fluid and soft, which helps make compassion possible.”
~Francis Weller
Art- Catrin Welz-Stein
HAP, HAP HAPPY VALENTINE’S DAY to you.
It’s a day that is full of hearts and speaking of full of hearts.
What is your heart specifically full of right now
at this moment
not the past week
not the past year
not five years ago
not what you hope it will hold tomorrow
or 10 years from now
B U T
at this moment
what is your heart full of. . .
Hope?
Pain?
Grief?
Stress and worry and anxiety?
L O V E. . .
It’s no longer a question of what
CAN
your Heart hold so much as
RIGHT NOW,
AT THIS VERY MOMENT~~
WHAT IS YOUR HEART ACTUALLY HOLDING?
What to you want to fill it with
and yes,
what would you like pumping from it. . .
Pssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssssst:
TAKE HEART
(and GIVE HEART)
whether it’s on your sleeve
or preciously protectively tucked away. . .
WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
. . .And JUST LIKE THAT
it’s 2024
A NEW YEAR
Whether a new year fills you with excitement or dread (or maybe a mix of both!), the hope is that when you look back on 2023
there are too many wonderful moments to count
which serve has the greatest foundation
for new memories to be
m a d e. . .
ALL WAYS Remembering that
which are gentle reminders
between old and new years of
Letting us each know in between all of the Seasons
Past
Present
Prospective
“May God bless and keep you always
May your wishes all come true
May you always do for others
And let others do for you
May you build a ladder to the stars
And climb on every rung
May you stay forever young
May you grow up to be righteous
May you grow up to be true
May you always know the truth
And see the lights surrounding you
May you always be courageous
Stand upright and be strong
And may you stay forever young
May your hands always be busy
May your feet always be swift
May you have a strong foundation
When the winds of changes shift
May your heart always be joyful
May your song always be sung
And may you stay forever young.”
And may you stay forever young.”
Photo in New York, by John Cohen (1962)
Here’s hoping
the New Year exceeds your expectations
and a tad past your
i M a G i N a T i O n
HAP HAP HAPPY BIRTHDAY
Here’s the deal about Birthday’s,
there are candles to be lit
and wishes to be made. . .
B U T
you don’t have to wait for the celebration
of your actual birth date. . .
why waste another moment?
CELEBRATE NOW
and forget to stop…
The best wishes aren’t wished,
but lived
until they become more true
than any wish, wished
or dream, dreamt…
SEE. . .
It’s ALL worth celebrating
N O W
So, I’ll leave this with you as a simple wish of mine before the
candles are fully extinguised
and the cake and ice-cream
passed around:
LET ME BE A STORY
Let me be a story you tell
because you have experienced it fully
with no exceptions
no if’s
no but’s
no until’s
no excepts
but with an openness you’ve never known before
but now can’t help but to share
because you have known it so well
Let me be a story you tell
sprinkled with moments of humor
loaded with once upon a time’s
and an unlimited amount of
“what about the time’s?”
Let me be a story you tell
not because you’ve heard it with your ears
but deeply have known it in your soul
Let me be a story you tell
in a timeless generation yet to be born
not because the story is so infamous
but it’s moral is so absolutely right
Let me be a story you tell
A tune you hum
A poem you read
A life you now live a little better
and more inspired and hopeful
And may you too be the story someone else tells
A story uniquely yours
One that doesn’t mirror the same
but reflects even more
A manifesto poem
One that is known before it’s told or pondered
One that is lived well
One that is shared
One that is once upon a time’d
One that is fire to your wick
a flicker to your flame
a light to your lane
One that Is~~always IS
HO-HO-HELL
OHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH
HOW THE
HO
HO
HO
has already begun
with the same
Q U E S T I O N
every year:
HOW DO YOU SURVIVE THE HOLIDAYS
or dare to
T H R I V E
and actually
enjoy them. . .
5 Ways to Survive
The Holidays if You’re a Scrooge
There are plenty of reasons one might dislike the holidays, including strained family relationships, chaotic travel logistics, and the pressure to buy lots of gifts (in this economy). All are valid, mental-health experts say.
“Just like some people like chocolate and others don’t, some people don’t like the things that are associated with the holidays,” says Dr. Jessica Beachkofsky, a psychiatrist based in Fla. “There might be religious overtones they don’t appreciate. They might not like having to go out and about when it’s cold outside. Some people don’t like the noise—or music—of the holidays, and think it’s gaudy or obnoxious.”
If that sounds familiar, it’s important to focus on things that restore you. That includes the year-round stuff—getting enough sleep and exercise, and going easy on the alcohol—as well as activities that really lift you up. This is the time to get that massage, take yourself to the movies, and surround yourself with your favorite things.
If you’re dreading decking the halls, here are five ways to better cope this holiday season.
Reach Out

Maybe you don’t want to have a silent night—and then another and another. There’s so much focus on togetherness during the holidays that those who don’t have a packed calendar might feel isolated and sad. Be open about it. “Don’t be afraid to say to someone, ‘I’m alone. What are your plans? I don’t have any yet,’” says Dr. Sue Varma, a psychiatrist in New York. Many people will respond by extending an invitation; perhaps the only reason they hadn’t done so already was that they didn’t realize you’d be available or interested.
You can also seek out new friends and things to do via platforms like Meetupand Nextdoor, Varma recommends. Another way to surround yourself with people is to volunteer, even if it’s not something you plan on doing the rest of the year. Sign up to visit residents at a local nursing home, bake cookies for first-responders, adopt a kitten, or serve food at a homeless shelter. You’ll get to socialize, and whoever you’re helping will be grateful for the company—a win-win from any angle.
Set Boundaries

Lots of people struggle with the holidays because of strained family relationships. Setting boundaries is key, Varma says: Tell your mom that you’ll join her for Christmas or New Year’s, but only one-on-one and not with her new husband you don’t get along with. Or, if you don’t have the capacity to deal with your uncle’s political opinions, let your family know you’ll see him in a large group setting (not seated right next to you at dinner).
Have some lines ready to shut down any unwanted conversations. If someone brings up politics and you don’t want to engage, say, “I’m not here to talk about that, but I would like to talk about this delicious food, or the amazing athletes playing football today,” suggests Marhya Kelsch, a psychotherapist in Calif. or just the Classic: “Come on, it’s all about being together and the holidays not about the elections or rights. . . .”
If you’re nervous your guests will bring up a thorny personal issue, address it directly, immediately after arriving. You might say, “Todd and I broke up. It’s been really hard. I would appreciate if we could not talk about it, because I really want to enjoy being here with all of you,” Beachkofsky suggests. “It sounds scary, but if you say it one time, and if those people are even a little reasonable, they won’t bring up the thing you’re asking them not to talk about.”
Let yourself feel sad

Every year, Beachkofsky hears from people who are overcome with grief at the idea of spending the holidays without someone who’s no longer here. Her best advice? “You need to feel the feels,” she says. “If you’re sad and everyone else is happy, you are entitled to that feeling.” One way to cope, Beachkofsky says, is to let a supportive friend or family member know you’re struggling. Ask if you can call them any time you need an ear. Then, you’ll know you have someone to turn to who won’t simply tell you to be merry and have another cookie.
It can also be helpful to find ways of honoring the person—or people—you’re mourning. Did you share a special tradition, like always going to see the Trans-Siberian Orchestra together or making popcorn garland for the tree? “Find a way to incorporate that into the season,” says Steffani Wooley, a licensed professional counselor based in Texas. Or make a special ornament or photo collage that reminds you of your loved one. “You could even set a place at the table to remember them,” she says.
Be flexible with travel

Travel can be a logistical nightmare during the busiest time of the year. If you don’t want to fork over the cash for a prime-time plane ticket, or if you’re dreading the crowds and long delays, offer a compromise to your long-distance relatives. “Just say, ‘We’re not celebrating Christmas on December 25—we’re going to do it February 1,’” Varma suggests. Then, you can eliminate a major source of stress—and have something to look forward to throughout the holiday season.
Go low-key with gifts

Ongoing inflation is still causing prices for almost everything to spike. If exorbitant costs are stressing you out, take the pressure off. First, tell your family members you need to be more low-key about gifts this year, Varma advises. Those with a big family might draw names and only buy for one person or agree that only the kids will get gifts.
And rejigger your perspective on what makes a good gift. As Varma points out, people love to get homemade treats or other inexpensive but thoughtful offerings—“something as simple as homemade pesto,” she says. If you’re gifting someone who you know values time with you, book a yoga class or plan to cook a special meal together. “There are so many ways to be creative that don’t involve a lot of money,” she says.
BIRTHDAY’D
A N O T H E R B I R T H D A Y. . .
s u r v i v e d
I almost always get a standing ovation during one of my presentations when I let the audience know:
“IF I WERE YOUR CEO, I WOULD MAKE IT MANDATORY, NON-NEGOTIABLE FOR EVERY EMPLOYEE TO NOT ONLY HAVE THEIR BIRTHDAY OFF, BUT THE DAY BEFORE AND AFTER; IN FACT, IF YOU WERE CAUGHT WORKING ON YOUR BIRTHDAY OR THE DAY’S BEFORE AND FOLLOWING, YOU WOULD BE FIRED ON THE SPOT; AND BEFORE YOU EVER BECAME AN EMPLOYEE OF MINE, YOU HAVE TO SIGN A DOCUMENT STATING YOU UNDERSTOOD THESE TERMS AND WOULD BE TERMINATED FOR VIOLATING THEM!”
W H Y ?
Because it’s more than a billion dollar loss each year that unscheduled PTO days are costing companies, agencies, and employers. What a better way to compensate each employee, NOT WITH A RAISE, BONUS, or even additional sick or additional time off, but by actually SHOWING THEM just how important you are to their respective organizations/agencies and to management in particular. What a lightning strike of PROACTIVITY in sensing, understanding and ACTING on how everyone should celebrate THEMSELVES. . .
A HAPPY, A VALIDATED, A AFFIMRED EMPLOYEE is a productive employee, right?
Well, it gets raved reviews and loud cheers and even a few job offers for me to become, at least, an interim CEO. . .
In that vein,
I did exactly that this past week as I celebrated
M E
I took a vacation from myself and
visited myself on in one fell swoop;
and it’s been great;
not only do I even more highly recommend it,
there’ll never be another time that I won’t REPEAT IT. . .
And. . .
What a FANTASTICAL DAY. Thanks for all of the warm Birthday wishes, thoughts and expressions. I am severely humbled and severely gratified by this magically enchanted life I live because of all of the wonderful people who surround me. Each and everyone of you prove unequivocally how greatly healed I am by RELATIONSHIPS and CONNECTION; these are most powerful mediums and medicines in their own rights. You inspire me to want to be better and to help me spend my days helping serve others, SERVE OTHERS. . .
You see, this makes it all
not just another BIRTHDAY. . .
everything we do
especially special days
are always more than j u s t
ANOTHER’S. . .
H o w. . .
How can we assure that anything goes beyond
J U S T A N O T H E R :
By intentionally making I T so;
As I travel towards 64 years on this little blue ball
each day I’ll attempt to be a
P E R S O N O F N O A G E
to protect myself from
JUST ANOTHER
I’ll notice what I recognize:
(and now invite you to do the same)
TEN THOUSAND FLOWERS IN SPRING, THE MOON IN THE AUTUMN,
A COOL BREEZE IN SUMMER, SNOW IN WINTER,
IF YOUR MIND ISN’T CLOUDED BY UNNECESSARY THINGS,
THIS IS BEST SEASON OF YOUR LIFE
By Wu Men (Hui-k’ai)
Kind of makes wearing the Birthday Sombrero Hat
s p e c i a l
Merry PRACTICE Christmas
I A M T H A T G U Y :
A Severe Christmas Lover. . .
In fact, if you’re reading this anytime on July 25, 2018
we are exactly
So maybe the biggest question
the ROOT of the WHY
do I love Christmas so much
is the most simplest
JUST BECAUSE’s of all time:
THE WORLD IS BETTER
KINDER
MORE: FORGIVNG
ACCEPTING
LOVING
than at any other time of the year it kind of begins
a little earlier than Halloween
and it includes Hanukkah and Kwanza
and it powerfully reminds us of the most overlooked facts of all time:
Is that enough or do you actually need some facts, some evidence based material?
W E L L . . .
9 Reasons Why It’s Never Too Early for
Christmas Decorations
Did you know that Christmas decorations may make you happier? Learn why you should put up your holiday decor now. Start hanging Christmas lights today!
1. It Could Make You Happier
2. It’ll Make Your Neighbors Like You
A study found that people shown photos of houses rated the residents of a home adorned with Christmas decorations as more friendly and sociable versus houses sans decor. The decorated houses were seen as more “open” or accessible, regardless of whether their inhabitants actually interacted much with their neighbors. This makes a lot of sense; if everyone in the neighborhood decorates and you join in, it fosters a sense of community. So, go on, display your wreaths with pride—and maybe surprise the family next door with some holiday cookies!
3. Christmas Desserts
Did someone say cookies? OK, so maybe they aren’t technically decor, but we think early holiday baking is a good reason to dust off that Santa-shape cookie jar. Besides, colorful treats are decorations in their own right. Desserts are one of the best parts of the holiday season, and there’s no reason why you can’t enjoy them any day of the year. Mix up one or more of these sweet delicacies to get you in the holiday mood.
Not sure where to start? Try the following tasty treats; make sure you go for seconds and thirds (or countless numbers of time) My brothers and I scarfed up the stuff my mom baked months ahead of time and put in the freezer…we mouth-thawed them. YUMMELS
4. It’s Getting Cold (and Dark)
5. To Show Off Your DIYs
6. To Enjoy Them Longer
7. To Sing a New Tune
Bonus: Make an ornament out of favorite Christmas songs! Print out copies of the sheet music, then cut into strips and decoupage onto a plain ornament. BAM!
8. To Spend More Time with Family
9. You’ll Have Somewhere to Take Christmas Card Photos
Yeah, I get a little caught up in the Christmas Moment
because I’d like to think that it’s more than just a MOMENT
I’d like to think
that each of our LIGHTS
G L O W A L I T T L E B R I G H T E R
W A R M A L I T T L E C O Z I E R
. . .but not just for a Season or a Day or a Moment
but F O R A N E V E R. . .
j o i n
m e
for a Merry PRACTICE Christmas