December 19, 2006

The Magic and Joy of Christmas   "There is no ideal Christmas; only the one Christmas you decide to make as a reflection of your values, desires, affections, traditions," said Bill McKibben.   Amidst the hustle and bustle of the season remember to: Lighten up.  Go easy on yourself, know your limits, and enjoy.  Soon enough it will be time to take down the tree and the decorations, put away the Christmas china, and send the children back to school. Reach out to others.  When you give, you receive.  Extend a hand to those less fortunate than you.  Give of your time and talents. Take time to smell the roses, or the mistletoe, or the ferns.  Spend time with family and friends.  Cherish your relationships. Find comfort in your traditions. Give yourself the gift of self-care.   As the time draws near to celebrate Christmas, I wish all my readers and their families the magic and joy of the holiday season.  Make merry your home and happy your heart this time of year and all throughout the New Year.        "What is Christmas? It is tenderness for the past, courage for the present, hope for the future. It is a fervent wish that every cup may overflow with blessings rich and eternal, and that every path may lead to peace." Agnes M. Pharo   "The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others' burdens, easing other's loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas." W. C. Jones   "Somehow, not only for Christmas, But all the long year through, the joy that you give to others, Is the joy that comes back to you. And the more you spend in blessing, The poor and lonely and sad, The more of your heart's possessing, Returns to you glad." John Greenleaf Whittier        'Twas the week before Christmas and all through my house The workmen are stirring, but not a mouse. Electrical, plumbing, and plastering dust Makes cleanup a time consuming must. Painting is done and flooring is in place, Soon it will be a beautiful space. Good tidings, the time is drawing near With hope that our new kitchen will soon be here.   The hustle and bustle of my holiday season has taken a backseat to the remodeling.  It's been nice not to join the crowds at the mall.  We've been homebodies, keeping the workers company, and spending the time with our two children.  We're celebrating Valerie's 21st birthday this week and John's completion of his masters degree in the Administration of Justice.   Thank you to all my readers who are a part of the Balance Beam community.  I am grateful for the opportunity to come into your home or office every week.   I will be taking a break to spend time with my family and get the kitchen in order. The Balance Beam will return on January 9, 2007 with thoughts for the New Year.   Merry Christmas, Happy New Year, and Happy Boxing Day to my readers in the UK.   Have a fantastic holiday season and embrace the magic.   Stephanie        We grow by "word-of-email" so please feel free to forward this newsletter to anyone whom you think might benefit from and enjoy it. Thanks so much! Contact Us: stephanie@7steps2abalancedlife.com