December Daily – Day 30

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Begin

https://thegraphicsfairy.com/free-new-year-clip-art-champagne-girl/

I love the idea of a new beginning. New years, new weeks, new quarters. I can think of reasons to start anew all the time. The truth is that there is nothing particularly magical about a new year. Your ability to change and grow is a power you hold within yourself and you may choose to exercise your ability to change at any moment. In fact, life does not wait for new years or Mondays to inject a life-altering change. Change can happen to you in any moment. In line at the grocery story, in traffic, or in ways that you never expected. Though change is hard, it also brings growth. We are programmed to fear change. However, when we change and look back the person before the change is almost unrecognizable. Without change we do not grow.

I wish you luck in whatever changes you wish to make this year. I wish you peace for whatever unexpected changes occur in your life. Most of all I wish you the strength it takes to face these changes and integrate them in to your life.

December Daily – Day 29

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Reflect

The holiday was good for me. It was minimally stressful and I spent time with those I love. Now that we are a few days out I have had my pictures developed and have put many of the gifted items away. I love to look at the pictures. There is always something new to see. And walgreens had a $.09 print special!

There is a nice calm transition period before life really kicks back in to high gear. I hope that you had a nice holiday and that you are feeling positive heading in to the new year. If you are having a tough time, try writing a list of things that you are grateful for. I am grateful that you are here. Sending love and best wishes!

December Daily – Day 28

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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.