2022 has been a year full of revelations. Revelations about God, self, and others. With each new revelation, I was encouraged to STOP and examine my story.

EXAMINE YOUR STORY WITH LOVE

Often, we can be our harshest critic. Take a moment to appreciate and accept that you are human. Better yet, know that NO ONE IS PERFECT; therefore, while you may have made some mistakes along the way, you made those mistakes because your mind was clouded by the fog of your emotional tsunami. While it is not an excuse, it allows you to show compassion and empathy to self. Gaining clarity about when we are MOST VULNERABLE, will help us to minimize those mistakes when we have future tsunamis in our lives.

THE SEASON IS ABOUT LOVE, NOT THINGS

When we remember the purpose for the celebration of Christmas, our ability to be in the moment with joy, peace, and contentment returns. Yet, I get it, we are pleasure seeking missiles and enjoy receiving gifts. However, let us not forget that the most priceless gift we can give to anyone is LOVE. There are so many ways we can give the gift of love without spending money or lots of money. The thing that is often difficult for many people to accept is that we are ALL selfish human beings. Before you get offended, please take a breath and hear me out. We are often more inclined to be generous when it does not inconvenience us or cause any discomfort. LOVE by its very definition is unconditional and selfless.

PUTTING THE NEEDS OF OTHERS FIRST

It is often a struggle for many people to do this; yet most parents are quite familiar with putting the needs of their children before their needs. One of the acronyms I developed is P.A.L.S. PALS remind us daily that when we live from a state of abundance, we succeed because we are patient, accepting, loving, and make sacrifices. We are PALS to self and others. When you are willing to make sacrifices for the good of others, you are being selfless. How do we put the needs of others first?

1. Patience
2. Acceptance
3. Love
4. Sacrifices

Note, when you are also willing to make sacrifices in your own life for something you value, you will achieve the goals or milestones you set for yourself. Phrased another way, when you are willing to make sacrifices in your own life, because you LOVE yourself, you will achieve the goals or milestones you set for yourself.

TOTAL HEALTH IS THE RESULT OF HOW WE LIVE

How we LIVE is manifested in our total health and quality of life. When we live from a state or place of paucity, we more than likely will be totally unhealthy and have a poor quality of life. Conversely, when we live in and from a state or place of abundance, we are totally healthy and have the BEST quality of life. This does not mean there are no trials or tribulations. Please do not forget that we live in a world with other people. Everyone is on their own journey and may be at a different stage than you. Be patient, accept their shortcomings, love them, and be willing to make a sacrifice.

A sacrifice may simply be, keeping your mouth shut, even when you know you are right. It may simply be allowing that person to be themselves. Never interpret this to mean that you allow others to take you for granted or be disrespectful. As this season reminds us, when we take a moment to breathe, LOVE is abundant and the best state to be in. If you are not TOTALLY HEALTHY – What state are you living in?

MERRY CHRISTMAS! Praying that the season reminds you of the LOVE that was so generously gifted to us from our Heavenly Father.