As I start to write this message, I must admit that I am quite distracted. The Christmas tree lights are lit, I am watching a holiday movie that I haven’t seen before and I am enjoying a nice cup of hot chocolate. There are so many things running through my mind right now but none of them have to do with social media. After the week that I have had and with Christmas next week, I am viewing things from a rather different perspective. But, let me explain.
My niece who lives in Amsterdam was in town this week. I have not seen her since Christmas, 2006 and I can’t begin to explain how wonderful it was to spend some time with her. Her visit made my holiday season but even more, it taught me a big lesson, one that I thought I already knew but I wasn’t even close.
Yes, I have a new perspective on life. As a result, I don’t plan to give another thought to what will happen tomorrow or on Christmas or next week or next year. Nothing ever turns out the way we think so why do we spend so much time planning and worrying and scheming, etc. for a future that we have no idea about what it will bring.
It seems that I am always focused on the plans for the future. Here we are just a few days away from Christmas and my shopping isn’t done. I have been so busy trying to figure out what to get for my husband, Kirk, but haven’t been able to come up with a single idea. I have fretted about this for weeks now and was beginning to even dread the actual arrival of Christmas. It finally dawned on me that while I was so busy worrying about the future that I was missing the joy of the present.
I did stop and take the time to enjoy the evenings that I had with my niece. I was so glad to be able to share that time with her friend and with Kirk. We talked and laughed and got caught up a bit on what we are all doing. And when it was time for her to leave, I felt so happy that we had the time together that was available to us. But, for the first time that I can remember, I was not focused on when we might see each other again but so happy to enjoy the day and the moment.
Since she left, I have found that I am looking at life and each moment of each day in a new way. I am not wishing for Christmas to be here sooner than later as I have always done since I was a child. I enjoyed the time that I have been able to spend with Kirk and our first trip to the mall together in a long time (that’s what happens with online shopping). I enjoyed our stopping for a bite to eat together and listening to the music of the season in the car as we drove around. And at the end of the evening, we came home without so much as a single package but it was okay. Even if there is not a single present for Christmas, that’s fine with me because not a single thing could ever compare to the time spent with those who we love.
Yes, I have a new perspective of life. As a result, I don’t plan to give another thought to what will happen tomorrow or on Christmas or next week or next year. Nothing ever turns out the way we think so why do we spend so much time planning and worrying and scheming, etc. for a future that we have no idea about what it will bring. I am going to enjoy the moment in which I am currently living. I will enjoy the selection and preparation of the food that we will share today without focusing on what to do for next week. I will watch my Christmas movies and appreciate the lights of the season and be so grateful for having the people in my life that I have. And when the big day arrives next week, it will be just as special to me as is today. And on that note, I give you my wish for a very Merry Christmas and hope that your todays are always as special to you as all of your Christmases put together.
Barbara Jacoby is an award winning blogger that has contributed her writings to multiple online publications that have touched readers worldwide.