I may not be magical like Santa Claus or be able to grant wishes like a genie, but I still can do one thing each day for myself and for at least one other person, even on the holidays, especially on the holidays. Sometimes, it is the most ordinary gestures that lead to extraordinary results and memories. I would like to think that today’s actions left a mark that will be seen and felt long after the holidays have ended.
The one thing I, along with my wonderful ex-husband, did today was to give our two daughters the gift of having our family together for the holidays, just as we have done since our oldest daughter was born eleven years ago and despite our divorce last year. My ex-husband, Matt, and I are immensely fortunate that our divorce was absolutely amicable and mutual, and while we were not the best as spouses, we agreed to strive to be the best ex-spouses and parents that we possibly could be. I believe that we have done both rather well and will continue to do what is best for our girls and for each other. When I told the girls about the divorce, I promised them that although the four of us may no longer live under the same roof any more, we still were a family and always would be. If ever there were a time when it is most important to our girls that we are a family it is at Christmas.
So, we continued the traditions of attending Mass on Christmas Eve (well, at least Matt and our oldest daughter did, as our other daughter and I were sidelined with severe colds and remained home), going to my parents’ home for dinner and the opening of gifts, and then, coming back to my home to settle in for a good night’s sleep while Santa made his rounds. Matt slept in Isabella’s room, so, we were all together when the girls woke up (at 9:40 a.m., no less) and could spend Christmas Day together. No-one had to miss a moment of this special day, and our girls were thrilled that their holiday traditions have not changed. This is one of the greatest gifts we can give them each year, and we are more than happy to do so.
The one thing that I did for myself today was to focus intently on having a merry Christmas and to be present for myself and others during the festivities. As I shared in my other blog (www.kristijojedlicki.wordpress.com) yesterday, I have struggled with the holidays since childhood, and yesterday, I was mourning the fact that I had yet to discover and embrace the Christmas spirit fully this year. I was in a lot of mental, emotional, and spiritual pain, and I felt so very alone, even when in the midst of my family. Before I went to bed in the wee hours of this morning, I intently prayed for peace for both my mind and baby soul, and I fell asleep awash in the hope and faith of the season.
When I woke up several hours later, I felt a sense of relief, along with a sense of purpose, and I set out to find ways to deal directly and positively with the anxiety and depression that reminded me of the Grinch and Scrooge set to put a damper on Christmas. I actively listened and engaged in conversations with my family, and I took time before and after the day’s activities to do things, such as read inspirational books, pray some more, listen to Christmas music, and truly believe in the spirit and magic of the Christmas season, to care for the lingering anxiety and depression and usher it out of my psyche. My intentions became realities, and I was overjoyed to be back in a good space mentally, spiritually, and emotionally. It ended up being a lovely day for all of us, and I was able to experience some of the joy of the season for the first time, better late than never.
Today reminded me that when you live intentionally and have faith in yourself and in the world at large that everything comes together eventually and that wishes do come true. Whatever it is that you wish for and desire for yourself and for others, take deliberate actions and fully believe, and you just may be surprised at what transpires. Merry Christmas to all, and to all, a good night!
Just one thing each day . . .
Categories: Just One Thing Each Day
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