Happy new . . .

Happy new…
 
My friend was sending her good wishes for the season to all her friends on facebook as she was donating card money to a charity. She wished everyone a very Merry Christmas and a happy new from … X family xxxx.
 
Her husband picked up on this and questioned what she was wishing. A happy new what? He was joking, slagging, what he thought was, her mistake.
 
Perfect I thought. Choice. “Wishing you a happy new _________” whatever I want!
 
A happy new day,
a happy new jumper,
a happy new Christmas party (not like last years),
a happy new thought, moment, desire.
The possibilities are endless.
 
Taking the time to decide what you wish for in your happy new moment is a gift to yourself.
 
Granted, this time of year we get caught up with all the events we have to go to, the gifts we have to buy, the food we have to prepare, the visits we have to make, the food and drink we have to imbibe. All in the name of pleasing others, sharing the Christmas cheer, re-making family connections, thanking and appreciating colleagues and friends, keeping the dreams alive for beloved children.
Wow! Pressure!
 
Don’t get me wrong. There is something wonderful about making these connections, appreciating and loving each other. And this year I am embracing the Christmas season rather than running away (as I have done for the past decade).
 
But. A lot of what happens at this time of year is focused outside of ourselves. What gift to get X, or I have to go to this event and I am too tired. I “have to” do this because it is expected of me.
 
It is hard to remember ourselves in this time of increased demands and expectations.
 
What would it be like if my intention for this Christmas was to take care of myself well, so that I could joyfully and easily take care of work, loved ones, demands?
 
Granted this is hard to do. It is hard to put myself first in my own esteem every day of the year, but more so at this time of year when the spirit of Christmas can be overwhelming.
 
When I am teaching my students I often say that they are the most important person in the world. Sometimes I meet resistance. I am not talking of one person being more important than another. I am speaking of taking care of the self so that I can walk and talk independently. So that I am not hurting myself or unable to take care of my duties to others. I take care of myself so that I walk, work and talk, better. Truly, easily, freely.
 
How can I take care of others if I am compromised? By taking good care of me I am taking good care of those around me.
 
New Year is around the corner. I think that my friend omitted the word “year” as it would be the obvious greeting. At this time of year we offer up the past and step into the new year with refreshed intentions, resolutions and optimistic commitments. But let’s embrace my friends’ “mistake” again.
 
What new wish do I have for this moment? Happy new______
 
What is my happy new thought right now? For me.
 
I don’t have to wait till January first to make my promises. Nor will a promise on that day live longer than that moment, unless I re-choose. We are in the middle of this thing called life, in a constantly moving wheel that’s burning speedily through December.
 
It’s an exciting time
but please remember
that at any moment
YOU
have the choice
to pause  
and
wish
yourself
a
HAPPY
NEW
________________
 
 Love from a happy new Fiona  xxx