Holiday Season of Our Dreams....

All I am thinking about today is it's a good thing I am so prepared for our little holiday - because I still seemingly have loads to do! And here I was thinking how organized I am this year....

The thing is - you can be sorted out and have everything in order, but part of the season seems to be about the last minute thought process. This is not about re-thinking gifts or food or anything like that, it seems to be far more about coming to a deeper understanding.

About ourselves.

I wonder how many of us have never managed to have the Solstice/Christmas/Yule holiday of our dreams? And at the same time, I wonder why that is. Could it be that so many 'needy' energy suckers drain the life out of us and we end of just wanting to get this over with.

It might also be all centered around our own expectations - which for me, used to be high and as the days, weeks, years moved on with each season, they gave way to not expecting anything. From anyone. 

And that is just plain sad.

These past few years, I placed my expectations way up there again - within myself and all around me. And I am trusting to not be disappointed (each time, a little more, a little better) - so far this year, with Solstice already come and gone, I haven't been let down. The energy right now, is magical there is so much change and goodness on it's way to us...

Of course, to feel this way right now (and I love this time of year) is a gift - it has taken me years to come full circle back once again to where I should be. From where I sit right now, I know it has to do with the child inside of me - the little person I once was.

And am now again.

Her expectations are coming back to where they should be - and so is the joy of Christmas.

April 

Love is a puppy....

It's Day 15 - Change is in the Air

This is the final day of my December detox and I am feeling pretty good. I have been keeping up with my Yoga throughout this one and I think that is why I am having far less detox symptoms this time around then usual...

However the rest of my life has been moving and shaking as a result of the cleanse, so that's right on target... and I still have this cold going on but it's not too bad. Hopefully it will be mostly gone before the holidays. 

There is a funny energy about the place so far today and I am still trying to name it or sense it fully - what I usually do is walk around outside and connect with nature to get a deeper understanding of what it is that surrounds us from day to day.

Finding ways to remain grounded within yourself is a vital component of living on this planet - especially this week. I can't believe the number of people who are reported to think the world is coming to an end this Friday...

And it has actually got me thinking that I don't really know of anyone who thinks that way (well, there is one, but I won't mention it) so I don't know exactly where this is coming from. Perhaps it's a bit of hype from the news itself, must be a slow week or something.

Otherwise, this is a great time to be alive the earth is raising her consciousness, change is in the air and for the most part, life is what you make of it. I for one am really looking forward to Friday and Solstice this is the start of the best feast season all year.

I can't think of anything better - and such a good reason to celebrate. No matter what it brings....

April

Glandore West Cork

Breaking Through the Negative Holiday Vibes...

Well, something that I have neglected mentioning all week - mostly because I was keeping a low profile and working through lots of dark Christmas energy - is the fact that this is day 4 of my December cleanse.

I am back detoxing (and I feel pretty good about it) working through negativity around Solstice and the general holiday season. I happen to absolutely love this time of year - so all of this heavy stuff that I am walking through is not even mine!!

But, picked up along the way throughout the course of my life....

Perhaps you were fortunate enough to grow up with people who loved this time of year and went out of their way to make it an enjoyable time for everyone. The sad fact is that there are many who do not like it for one reason or another - and some of them are determined to pull everyone down with them.

That sum's up the house I grew up in and needless to say, I have worked very hard to create my own holiday spirit. 

Every year I finish this season thinking the same thought - that was the best Solstice, holiday season ever and next year it will be better again. I spend my time baking, cooking (and eating!) but also thinking up new ways to create traditions for our family or deepen the ones we already have. 

Yet, more often then not, I encounter people who are so negative about this time of year and are determined to spread that gloom around. I have even had to fend off a conversation that went something like this;

"I hate Christmas. You always seem to have so much fun - I'm coming to your house so I can soak up that energy". NOT! (This was from a family member just after my first child was born - and I made it quite clear they were not welcome to spoil my family time)

So, what am I trying to say here? It's actually quite simple - this is a precious time of the year, some would even call it holy. It certainly is all about close ties, love, good food and nice feelings. I for one protect my little space throughout the holidays and keep the energy free and clear.

It's not difficult to do, just a little planning and you can break through any negativity that has invaded your space....this detox is going great!

April

Homemade pickles - ready for the Holidays!