Presence

Give yourself the gift of presence.

Despite best intentions, master lists, spreadsheets, and plans…hustle and bustle might be at full throttle. Pause. Take a breath. Notice. Be interested. Be present where you are right now.

Even if right this minute, you are doing another batch of dishes or trying to fit one more casserole in the overloaded oven. Take a pause. Sounds simple but to be present in a flurry could mean, even over a sink of dishes, slowing down just long enough to feel the temperature of the water on your hands, notice the way the bubbles reflect, did you wash the pan clockwise or counterclockwise. Pause. Breathe.

This Christmas isn’t the one before. Or the one 5 years ago. It isn’t that one where the beta fish died prompting a tearful pet funeral between batches of cookie baking.

This Christmas isn’t the one in your memory that was the most perfect one ever, where all the gifts, food, people, came together like a gold medal worthy synchronized swimming routine.

This Christmas isn’t the one where the shower broke and flooded the hallway while guests were arriving.

It’s not the one where you looked at a family member and knew it was their last Christmas.

It’s a new day, friends. It’s a new Christmas time, open to fresh experiences and new beginnings. It’s a Christmas you haven’t lived or loved through before.

If you don’t feel the Merry…that’s okay.

Just be present. Give yourself that gift.

Your blogging friend,

Anne Dovel