December

'Tis The Season

by Diana Woloson, MsD

Birds singing, waterfall splashing, yellow rubber duckies swimming, are the sights and sounds I enjoy each morning as I walk through the patio door with coffee and pen in hand. This morning is cooler; fall is definitely in the air which makes me realize soon winter will be here and with it the hustle and bustle of the holiday season.

I love the holidays, don't you? Most people are friendlier as they run to do their grocery shopping for the baking and special feasts, looking for that special gift for a certain someone, and finding last minute stocking stuffers for the children in their lives. Some truly enjoy all the rush. Others used to and are now finding it very stressful. There are even those who have called it quits and taken the "bahhumbug" attitude - some not bothering to participate at all.

Tis the Season, and we are all giving, and that's what it's all about, isn't it? Yes it is; it's also about receiving.

Have you ever noticed someone whom you've given a present and they never open it in front of you? The occasion doesn't matter. Are you one of these people? Most people find it easy to give and share it's what we've been taught.

What about receiving? My obser-vation is this is more difficult. Is it because of earlier childhood expectations not being met and resulting in disappointment? Maybe it's due to feeling undeserving? Or because you don't have the money to reciprocate for an expensive gift. This is a concept I have a difficult time understanding, because it truly is the thought that counts. I always appreciated receiving more expensive gifts from someone who could afford to spend more; and it didn't bother me to give them a gift within my budget. I certainly don't expect my friends with smaller budgets to buy trying to impress me. I'm appreciative; I'm also aware of what they are doing to their budget when giving an expensive gift, therefore putting me in a position of feeling guilty about their extravagance.

On the other side, I give what I think a person would enjoy and, if it's out of their budget range, why not give them something outside their realm? I always enjoyed receiving gifts from those who could afford more. I was delighted as I had something nicer in my possession, and it gave me the impetus to strive for creating more. Just because I couldn't afford to buy for myself didn't mean I couldn't have it!

When buying for friends and family who have less, I make a point of purchasing items I know they would like to have and just can't afford right now. Maybe it's a book, a gift certificate for favorite hobby supplies or even a mall gift certificate so they can choose what they most would like to have. When I find something they would enjoy, it doesn't matter the price. If I find a $4 gift in which someone would find delight - guess what! That's what they'll get. I don't go around and try to find something that will show I've spent $50! It is the thought that counts.

If you find yourself "having" to buy and not finding anything, then maybe you need to stop and think about what you are doing. Because now the thought behind it isn't all that wonderful, is it? Achy feet, frustrated feelings and "I just wish this was finished" thinking doesn't lead to harmonious thoughts or choices.

What about you? Do you remember to give yourself a gift? This is also about receiving and deserving. Many years ago a friend and I went Christmas shopping and didn't find a thing for others. Everything we saw was for us. So we bought ourselves a Christmas gift; then we were able to find for others with no problem. Since then, I always buy some-thing for myself - I deserve it!

How do you receive gifts? Is it with joy and delight, or dread and embarrassment? Is it with guilt? Is it with, "you shouldn't have" translated "I don't deserve this" and now resentment, "I have to go find something for you." If you have trouble receiving gifts, where else does that show in your life?

You are blocking the flow of abundance if you can't receive openly. Is your bank account low because that last raise was only a few pennies? We have to open ourselves, our hands to receiving from whatever direction it appears in our life. If you are uncomfortable receiving gifts, then chances are you are also uncomfortable receiving from God/the Universe (whatever term appropriate), and are therefore blocking yourself from other things. Giving is just half the process. To complete the circle, you have to be open to receiving. If your hands are closed, then how do you expect to receive all you desire and deserve? Open your hands; receive the gifts of love, for that's what they are Love. We can never receive too much love in our life, can we?

Tis the Season for giving and receiving. How do you receive - with a closed or open hand? It's your choice. Happy Holidays and I wish you Balance, Abundance and Joy!

In Light Times... A Metaphysical, Spiritual, Holistic Publication PO Box 12063 Las Vegas NV 89112 (702) 259-6843

In Light Times... A Metaphysical, Spiritual, Holistic Publication
PO Box 12063 Las Vegas NV 89112 (702) 259-6843