Finding Serenity during Chaotic Happy Holidays.

So here we are at Christmas and next week New Years, a time to look back, look forward and be present in the joy of this season.

But, how do we do that and maintain our serenity?  It's a definite conundrum.  So let's think about this.  How about the following ideas:

When looking back over the past year keep your focus on what went well in your life - I know that mine included a wedding (my daughter and her new husband-now my son-in-law), completion of the renovations on my home, parties with my friends and family, and trips to destinations I always wanted to visit.

Yes, when I look back there were also some harsher moments, moments that I will remember but I cannot allow them to negatively affect me as I go forward into the new year.  These moments shape me but should not define me, they must be relegated to memories of the past, a past that I can let go of as the new year rapidly approaches.  I know that by looking forward this way I will be able to maintain my serenity.

In the present there is nothing but joy, happiness and beauty if you allow it in.  I personally love seeing all the houses in my neighborhood lit up, I love the smell of a live pine tree, I love delivering presents to my neighbors, going to the parties, conversations, sending out season's greetings cards and of course all the eating.  What's not to love?

And looking to the future - well who know's what 2016 will bring?  I look forward to pursuing new relationships, new directions for the nonprofit I work with, losing a few pounds, pushing myself to be in better physical shape, enjoying the life that surrounds me and enjoying the serenity in knowing that I can find my own joy each day.

Yesterday at a breakfast meeting Santa showed up and I couldn't help myself from bubbling up with laughter and smiles as I watched the children and the adults around me interacting with the jolly old guy.  Having Santa so close by me just simply filled me with joy as I had my picture snapped by a friend.  When I posted the photo someone asked me what I asked Santa for and jokingly I said, "Peace on Earth isn't that what everyone(adult) is supposed to ask for?", but in actuality I didn't ask for anything I just sat there smiling and laughing and enjoying the moment, because that is what the holiday season is really about, I think.

Finding Serenity is all about finding the belief in yourself that you can locate joy in things and the people that surround you, even the people who can't locate joy themselves can have someone like you in their lives who can find joy and serenity in each day.

A very joyful, fun-filled holiday season and happy new year - Welcome 2016!