It's the day before Christmas Eve and most likely my last post until I return from my first European vacation - visiting Ashley who is studying abroad. My older daughter, Lindsay, will come with me for us to enjoy a "girls vacation".
In many ways this marks a first and a last for us. Having been a single mom while the girls were growing up, vacations were scarce and it was the kindness of my Mom and Dad, that we were able to have some fabulous times away - Disney cruises, the Bahamas. This is the first time that the three of us will traverse London and Amsterdam under the direction of Ashley, who has now been there for four months.
It marks a last in some ways, as Lindsay will be getting married and although we may continue to have some "girls time away", a new and exciting chapter in her life will begin! I am so blessed to enjoy the company of my girls - truly remarkable young women and really fun to be with.
It has been a whirlwind of busyness with business - no pun intended. I am blessed in the knowing that I would re-build and am doing so quite nicely. Of course, this week, people are frantically wanting advice for the next few weeks, and I generally set no high expectations with regard to behavior change, but support the process and listen to the emotional roller coaster that often accompanies the holidays.
In the back of my mind, I am often humming and thinking about the very title song, "O Holy Night", as this song has rich meaning in my family's life. From the time I was little, I remember listening to Gregorian Chants, both popular and choral Christmas music and as I grew, I led sing-alongs, cantored for the Christmas masses and sang this favorite hymm to my aunt and uncle as they were dying - what an honor to provide solace along with song. These were my Mom's brother and sister, and my Mom would always request for me to sing this song each Christmas.
I feel deeply that this indeed will be a holy night, as this year concludes and the hope for a new beginning peaks through. I have had the discussion often times this week with my clients, how this is the time for reflection and contemplation with a vision for the new year. I also continue to support focusing on the positive aspects of life, while acknowledging the challenges. The yin-yang symbol so nicely demonstrates that danger can be seen as opportunity.
My wish for all is for a Holy Night that becomes the dawn of a New Day/New Year.
With peace and love,
Julie
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