“The best things in life are free. And it is important never to lose sight of that. So look around you. Wherever you see friendship, loyalty, laughter, and love... there is your treasure.” ~Neale Donald Walsch
I have never been one to enjoy the more crazy hustle and bustle of the holiday season, nor the sparkly commercialism that comes along with it.
I prefer the quieter, more reverent aspects of this time of year—love the twinkling lights, the peace in the evenings as the temperature drops, the smell of fireplaces burning, and making hot cocoa or sipping on eggnog with rum while watching old classic holiday movies that remind me of the things in life that are warming and comforting.
I personally prefer to avoid the malls, the crowded places, and all of the “noise” that tends to rush in during the holidays, opting rather to take an opportunity whenever I can to reflect on what the past year has brought into my life and what it has taught me, what I am grateful for, and what my heart longs for in the upcoming year.
And while material gift-giving is certainly a wonderful and beautiful thing when done with love and with the intention to uplift and to bring joy and delight, there are so very many gifts in life that money simply cannot buy that are truly worthy of being meditated upon during this special and light-filled season to fill our hearts with gratitude.
These are the gifts that keep on giving, and that bring enlightenment and genuine joy into life.
For me, one of the most cherished gifts in my life is my relationship with my family.
From my precious husband and son, to my parents, to my sweet and amazing extended family through my husband's side, each one of my family members brings something utterly special and beautiful into my life, and makes me feel loved and cherished and cared for.
They are the ones who see me at my best as well as at my worst, who are there for me during good times and low times, and who are my greatest supporters and encouragers.
Another gift I sincerely appreciate in my life is the conversation, the sharing, and the connection that I get to experience with others, you being one of those special human beings.
Being able to share myself here in the way that I do, and getting to know you through your emails to me and the comments that you leave, is something that I will never, ever take for granted for one moment.
Human connection through the sharing of ourselves with each other is one of the most glorious things we can experience, and the fact that I get to participate in this each and every day is a truly Divine thing, and brings meaning and purpose into my life.
And then there is the gift of life experiences...
The glorious thing about life experiences is that they come in all shades ranging from uplifting, to challenging, to growth-inspiring, to dread-inducing, to anxiety-creating, to faith-building... all of them are absolutely necessary and essential, and make up the totality of who we individually are. They make up our personal story.
This past year alone I have been on the roller coaster ride of stepping out in faith without knowing where I would land, then going through some valleys and difficult moments, then seeing my way through those moments and into witnessing some sweet miracles and the view from the top of the mountain.
Always an adventure, always the full spectrum of emotions, always some ups to go with the downs, and some downs to go with the ups.
And then, of course, there is the very unique gift of choice, and this is something each and every one of us has.
The gift of choice encompasses all things in life, from how we choose to feel about a situation, to how we choose to behave in any given circumstance, to how we choose to react to someone, to whether we choose to look for the positive in life or choose to see things as always bleak.
Choice is the gift that allows for fluidity in our lives, and for change to always take place. A choice can change a circumstance instantly, and set a whole new coarse for life in motion.
And the beauty of choice is, that it never runs out. While we live and breathe, there will always be choices to make, and because of this, we will have amazing opportunities to taste all there is to taste in this life, our most precious gift of all.
So may we enjoy the genuine twinkle and beauty of this holiday season, and find ourselves with hearts open and grateful for those precious, sacred gifts that bring true meaning and color to our lives.
These are the gifts that money cannot buy, but that are there and available to wholly and deeply enrich us and help us to grow along our way.
Taste what's good and pass it on.
Ingrid
“From The Heart” is a space for me to share some of my more personal thoughts on life. Here you'll find my reflections on my own inner/spiritual journey; on being a wife and mother; on being a creative; and general observations, pretty much whatever is on my mind.
I whole-heartedly believe that sharing "from the heart" with one another is what connects us, heals us, and inspires us! Glad you're here...
Theresa A. Stevens
Today I'm tasting what is good and passing it on. Last evening I was in a depressed state of mind sure that my family (all over the state) were together around the bright decorations of Christmas laughing, sipping cider and here am I alone in So. California as no responses to my calls or texts. Alone.
This morning I woke with the same weight on my soul at the same realizing I was centered in myself and had forgotten to ask "Thy will be done. Not mine but thy will be done." Always works for me when I'm trapped in short sightedness of "me alone."
A few minutes later my phone rang. My sister.
I'd called her twice last night without a response sure she and her daughter were having a warm cozy holiday time together. "What are you doing?" "Sitting here." "Alone". Her daughter and husband had driven over to the coast to recuperate after a busy week. No party for them. My nieces home in Paradise, CA was burned to the ground in a terrible fire the month before. My sister's little home was spared but she revealed in our conversation that today as every day her drive up to Paradise to make sure her home is secure and to walk the charred remains of her neighborhood and the once beautiful Feather River Canyon.
I sent my sister your recipe for garlic mashed potatoes and "The Gifts Money Can't Buy" and we both are restored.
The Cozy Apron
Theresa, what a strong, self-aware and beautiful human being you are...thank you for sharing all of that. It takes a lot of courage.
My own heart is so very full that you took to heart that closing line of my posts, "Taste what's good and pass it on", and truly did that. You reflected inward, became malleable, and then turned around and shared with your loved ones something positive, nourishing, and uplifting.
You, who also needed encouraging, turned around and encouraged others; and together, you all bonded and came together as one, even though, as you learned, you were all experiencing separation while going through life's challenges...
There's also the take away for me in what you wrote that not all is always what it seems, is it? Sometimes we get into a funk or a slump, and begin to feel isolated and alone, only to realize we're not "the only one".
Again, I truly appreciate all that you wrote, and I'm so glad and so grateful to read that both you and your sister are "restored".
Much love, light and peace to ALL of you this holiday season!
Caroline
So many people this time of year and season are suffering deeply in their deepest human needs. really touches my heart....these are the special ones I love to call on the light that comes into our darkness at Christmas, for God so loved the world he sent His only son....there is no greater love.
May those who are many be filled with His light in their hearts this Christmas...Merry Christmas Ingrid.
The Cozy Apron
Caroline, thank you for adding your lovely thoughts...
May you and your loved ones have a beautiful and light-filled Christmas, and a happy and healthy New Year!