Saturday, December 23, 2006

Christmas

As we approach the birth of Jesus Christ, I am reminded of all of the people who are in my life that bless me. It is amazing as I count the friends and family members who bless me on a regular basis.

I wish for you to be surrounded by those who love you and those you love. I pray that as you prepare to meet with your family this holiday season that you are reminded of their love for you, no matter what it might look like on the outside.

The holidays have a tendency to challenge us in many ways. Maybe it is a relative or friend who drinks or drugs too much and is belligerent. Or maybe it is the person who is hyper critical and there isn't anything you can do right. Maybe it is the person who plays the martyr and craves attention.

No matter what the personality of the other person, it is important for you to remember that you are only responsible for yourself, not the other person. Remind yourself to have compassion for those around you.

Whoever you are with this holiday season, be with them fully. Stay focused on your responses to the hard interactions, rather than respond out of jealousy, envy, hatred or greed, respond out of a place of loving and compassion. May this Christmas season be a joyous one for you and yours.

Be blessed as you bless others,

Carol

2006 Copyright by Carol A. Deel, MS, LCPC, LCMFT, All Rights Reserved. No part of this may be reproduced by any means without the written permission of the copyright owner.

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