Ready? I’m feeling pretty good about everything this morning. Christmas is almost here. I am prepared. I have learned to live through this time with a bit less stress, and with more joy.
But I think about those who still struggle during this time. Maybe they don’t feel physically well. Maybe they are lonely. Maybe they are broke. Maybe they have lost someone.
Christmas is a time of escalated emotions. High highs and low lows. So, my word today is: kindness. First – Always be kind to yourself. Want to stay home? Do it. Want to eat some sweets without regret? Do it! Want to escape the craziness? Do it!
And, as Tim McGraw sings “always stay humble and kind.” Live this way and know that you can’t control other people and their reactions. It’s their problem, not yours.
We are lacking a lot of kindness these days. We are missing sympathy and empathy. I can’t help but think about our political arena right now. It’s so sad. We are not setting a good example for the younger generation. Will they grow up not knowing kindness? Will they truly believe it’s a ‘dog eat dog’ world? Everybody out for themselves only? We have to change to survive. We have to make an effort to do it – now. Purposeful kindness. At least until it becomes natural again.
Some people get extra frazzled the last few days right before Christmas as they feel the time crunch, and they deal with busy, tired sales people. They lose their cool. Maybe they feel left behind or unimportant.
So, remember…
Kindness is free. it’s a smile. It’s letting someone go first. it’s giving a compliment. It’s learning to live outside yourself. And – It spreads.
There is no better time to be kind – to act kind – then during Advent and at Christmas.
K – Keep Christ in Christmas.
I – I am important.
N – Never forget others.
D – Don’t stress.
N – Need to breathe.
E – Expect less.
S – Share joy.
S – Smile!
Marla’s Musings 