“Christmas gift suggestions – to your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.”
Oren Arnold
The first suggestion – Forgiveness
This quote really resonated with me especially the first suggestion. I have been hanging on to some anger and failing to forgive someone. We don’t have to forgive another’s actions, yet to forgive the person is a true gift to ourselves. There is a peace of mind when we forgive, and peace of mind is priceless. So it is time for me to stop hanging on to this anger. Honestly, it is a gift to me!
When we get caught up in anger, hurt, righteousness over another, we keep ourselves from feeling who we really are – the energy of love. We can’t be angry and love at the same time. At a heartfelt level, we know this. We know that happiness, love, compassion are within and available to all us.
Where happiness resides
It’s not about – I’ll be happy when I lose 10 pounds; I’ll be happy when I have more money; I’ll be happy when others behave; or I’ll be happy when__________(you fill in the blank).
It is so innocent. We are taught to look for happiness outside of ourselves. True happiness and love reside within each of us. Our spirits are made of loving energy. We may feel it when we laugh or when we feel grateful and appreciative.That good feeling is who we are at our core!
Nourishing self
It is important to take care of ourselves and listen to our bodies during the busy holidays. If you need rest, rest even if for 20 to 30 minutes. If you need some down time, take it. However you can nourish yourself will be beneficial not only to you but to others also. The following invitation is easier to notice when we take care of ourselves.
The importance of a relaxed state of mind
This holiday season, I invite all of you (and me too) to honor and respect the importance of a relaxed state of mind. When we notice that we are taking ourselves and our lives too seriously, our minds tend to relax with more clarity allowing the door to our hearts to open and enjoy the here and now.
Then, what if the above quote can more easily fall into place?