Category: journal

December Daily – Day 28

On By 2ndhandspiritedIn 2019, December Daily, journal, Memory KeepingLeave a comment

Transition

The transition between the new year and the passing year can be a time of reflection and hope. 2018 fades away and 2019 waits patiently to bring new possibilities. What has brought you joy in 2018? What do you wish for 2019?

2018 was a good year for me. It followed a particularly hard year and I am grateful. In 2018 I completed a year of my Master’s degree, visitied Disney with my family, and spent lots of time by the ocean. I feel closer to my family than ever. My daughter is growing and learning so fast it takes my breath away. I began a new career and continue to grow and change personally and professionally. 2018 was good to me.

2019 is shaping up to be intense. My last year of my Nurse Practitioner Program requires intense focus and I know it will be challenging but worth it. We are working on a major home project that will bring much change and excitement. 2019 will be busy and demanding. That is ok. Whatever challenges await me, I am ready. I know I have all the tools to get me through, most importantly the backing of my incredible family.

December Daily – Day 27

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Calm

Image Complements of The Graphics Fairy

There is an incredible quiet to life now. There is nowhere to go and nothing in particular to do. Life has slowed down. It is the idle time as we await the New Year. I have used this time to clear some of the clutter from my house as well as complete some chores that have been neglected. I thought that I would use a lot of this time to journal but I have really used it as down time. It is nice to have down time but I think this also creates some feelings of guilt. It is often difficult to slow down especially after the rush of the holiday. I do think it is important to take time for yourself. Try not to feel guilty about it.

Birthday

  • Cake Pops for the Big Birthday

It is also my husbands birthday today. Wish him a Happy Birthday if you get a chance!

December Daily – Day 26

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Culmination

I feel a mix of relief and disappointment and complete OVERWHELM. The holidays were amazing and my family was so very generous. Now, it is my job to figure out where will I put all of these new items. My daughter wants to open every box and immediately play with the toys ranging from painting projects to slime and the dreaded GLITTER component. I did use today to clean the clutter from the table and organize some of the items. I put half of my daughters toys away on some advice I received from a friend. On a rainy or boring day we can peruse the box looking for things to do and new toys to play with. This will help to remind us of our Christmas blessings many times during the year.

December Daily – Day 25

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Nice Family Photo

Remember

Christmas eve and Christmas day passed in a flurry of activity this year. We were able to take lots of pictures to remember the day but it seems like there are never enough. The kiddos always seem to be looking off in opposite directions or making strange faces. These pictures are not perfect but they are funny. I always save a few blooper pictures to enjoy later. On Christmas Eve we try to take family pictures in front of my mother’s Christmas tree. The kids are getting to the age now where they are taking beautiful pictures. Even though the years seem to rush by, it will be nice to view these pictures next to each other as they get older.  

The Real Deal

December Daily – Day 24

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Story

My favorite holiday story is the Nativity Story. This story is powerful and compelling and sets the tone for the power of Christmas miracles. Whether or not you believe the Nativity Story, there are lessons to be learned from it. The power of giving as well as the power of miracles at this time of year. Tales the encourage the kindness of strangers are always important for children and adults alike. Sometimes kindness can be forgotten in the rush of this season, stories like these are good reminders to keep kindness in your heart.

December Daily – Day 23

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Movie

My favorite Christmas film is the live-action remake of the grinch.How the Grinch Stole Christmas with Jim Carrey. I find this movie to be heartwarming and humorous. Jim Carrey plays a perfect grinch. This movie is a mix of Christmas cheer and cautionary tale of getting too grumpy around the holidays.It is nice to see that someone so full of anger can have a change of heart. I am sure this is not on the list of Christmas classics but I do enjoy it. And the baby grinch is super cute.

December Daily – Day 22

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Weather

I love a white Christmas. Unfortunately, that is not in the cards this year. Our winters in Northeastern Pennsylvania are getting warmer and warmer. I believe white Christmases will be very rare. There is something magic about a snowy Christmas. I do, however, remember a a Christmas in which we were struck by a horrible storm that stranded us at home. So, I could be wrong about the changing weather pattern. I know that my daughter would be please by a white Christmas, so we will keep it on our Christmas wish list for now.

December Daily – Day 21

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Prepare

Preparing for the holiday can be stressful. It can take a lot out of you. Hopefully, the stress and preparations will all pay off on Christmas Day. As you prepare there are several obstacles you may run in to; traffic, busy stores, sold out items, and the most frustration, miserable people. It is easy to become overwhelmed in preparation for the holiday. Just remember to take a breath and try not to let the obstacles overwhelm you. Make sure to take care of yourself by enjoying quiet time or by engaging in practices that allow you to calm down after a hard day of shopping.

December Daily – Day 20

On By 2ndhandspiritedIn December Daily, journal, Memory Keeping2 Comments

Receive

Receiving gifts has been an uncomfortable feeling for me in the past. I am not sure if anyone else feels that way. I am always afraid that I won’t be able to demonstrate my appreciation enough. However, as I get older and have more life experience, I really appreciate the gifts that are given to me. I know that my family and friends are trying to demonstrate their love for me and who I am as a person.

The best gift I have ever received is difficult to pin down. My circle is great at gift giving. I am extremely fortunate to have such a caring family. They know me very well. I do my best to try to make sure they receive gifts that are meaningful to them.

December Daily – Day 19

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Gifts

https://thegraphicsfairy.com/cute-christmas-presents-girl-image/

The Gift of Gifting

Christmas brings many gifts. Not just the physical gifts that are given and received. Also, the gifts of happiness, family, and love. Gifts have the ability to show the ones you love that you understand and appreciate those things they enjoy. It gives the opportunity to demonstrate your appreciation for the receiver of the gift. My favorite gifts to give are to the kiddos in my life. They are at the age where they are struck by the wonder and excitement of everything. I know that this time is limited for the wonder that Christmas brings for the kiddos. Maybe that is why I love this time with them, because I know I need to savor it because it is limited.