TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (6)

ON THE SIXTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Impossible people.

No doubt about it, we all know them.

We work with them--
We mingle with them--
We even live with them.

Loving the unlovable presents a huge challenge.
But even less-than-desirable people
learn from precept and example.

Experts say that people
who are impossible to be around
harbor deep-seated issues.

However accurate that may be,
we should aspire to keep our manners in tact.

We must be the example
that impossible people need to see.

While we’re deciding what all to showcase
during the holiday season,
let’s not forget to show some extra kindness.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (5)

ON THE FIFTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Facing the truth.

All truths are not created equal--
especially at Christmas.

Jolly red-and-white lies
can quickly influence our lives,
and determine how we think and act and feel.

We’re quick to identify
the countless lies that others tell.
But how often do we overlook
those right in front of our face?

Being honest with ourselves,
about things little or large,
is one of the most precious gifts
we could ever give ourselves.

Whatever we do or do not have—
Whatever we can or cannot afford—
Wherever we will or will not go—
So be it . . . that’s life.

Let’s tell ourselves the truth,
accept it,
Then live, laugh, and love.

In the end, Christmas will still be Christmas.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (4)

ON THE FOURTH DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Not enough hours in the day.

First one to hop out of bed in the morning
and the last one to lie down at night.
Up at dawn and busy, busy, busy, all day.
Everyday.

Sound familiar?

No matter how much cooking,
cleaning, laundry, repairs,
shopping and quick errands we complete,
there’s always a million more to do.

Is it possible for us to stop . . .
and to start all over again?

Would we consider pushing our agenda aside,
and spending some quality time
with the One Who IS Christmas--
And will be throughout eternity?

Let’s make the hours
mean something
this year.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS (3)

ON THE THIRD DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
Too big for our "britches."

Who would have imagined?
All the weight gain
from this time last year
‘til now.

Friends and families and colleagues
are hosting festive holiday parties.
And we’re obligated to go.

Low and behold, we have too much meat
to squeeze into the front—the back—and the sides
of those old-faithful holiday frocks.

Let’s not loose our focus.
It is Christmas, remember?
This is not about us . . . or our weight.

Sure, we’d like to "dazzle" those inquisitive eyes,
and to be the envy of the classy crowd.
But if we’ve carried X-plus pounds around
prior to the holiday season,
then why get stressed about it now?

Eat. Drink. And be merry!

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS

ON THE SECOND DAY OF CHRISTMAS
Our true stress seems to be . . .
No "honey" for the holidays.

Most folk young and old will agree
that thick and rich, golden honey
is surely tasty and sweet.

But during the Christmas holidays
some want the kind of "honey"
that walks and talks
and whispers sweet stuff in their ears.

Of course Christmas cuddling feels good,
but so does self-acceptance.

We must learn to enjoy our own company
and to sincerely appreciate ourselves.

To those who yearn
For a sweet Christmas companion,
Learn to love yourself!

Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.

Peace I leave with you . . .

TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS DE-STRESS

ON THE FIRST DAY OF CHRISTMAS

Our true stress seems to be . . .

A wish list and no money.

OOPS! There it is--

The old "M" word.

Money . . . money . . . money.

Everyone needs more money.

Now that it's Christmastime

and we're making our lists,

what do we do when we don't have

enough money for all the things we want?

How can we keep from stressing out,

when there's not enough money coming in?

De-stress yourself.

Here's a tried-and-true solution . . .

L-O-V-E.

Possessions can never compare with real love.

Love that comes from the heart reaches the heart.

We were created from Love to give and receive love.

Put LOVE on your Christmas wish list!

Everyone needs Love.

Peace I leave with you . . .

MAKE THE SEASON BRIGHT

"And the light shineth in darkness; and the darkness comprehended it not."

~ John 1:5 ~

Here, there, and everywhere, we're seeing festive Christmas decorations. Beautiful blinking lights and serene solid ones usher in that special feeling of Christmas.

Of the hundreds of decorations displayed throughout the Yuletide season, bright and shinning lights seem to top the list. There's an undeniable magic in each twinkle.

While the choice to use clear or multi-colored lights may not directly affect an outward appearance, for most enthusiast, this decision requires a great deal of concentration. People decide according to their personal desires.

The competence for choosing fascinating holiday lights is quite similar to that of choosing less holiday stress. We light up Christmas in our lives by the choices we make. And we all have a choice to stress or not to stress.

When we resolve to not allow the secular concerns of the season to clog our minds with a slew of stresses, we are free to embrace the true joys of Christmas.

It matters not who or what we're facing, the truth is that we create our own beauty and brightness by how we act--or react--with the issues of life. As the world turns with its typical Christmas craze, it's our prerogative to de-stress.

Peace I leave with you . . .