Surrounded By Angels

Harley and Aries

On a stormy, windy day in May, the sun was lost behind dark clouds. Thunder roared and the heavy rain began. I felt blessed to be in a warm, dry house in the country, while still able to enjoy hearing the rain on the roof. I sat in my chair facing the windows able to see the trees bending to the wind. The wisteria was blown wildly as the strong rain ruined its flowers. I was glad I had enjoyed them while I could, smelling their scent and loving their beautiful purple grape like clusters. My buckets on the porch filled quickly with water to use another day for my container garden.

We have six dogs and usually they don’t mind the spring rains or summer storms unless they’re rough like this one was. They like to be in the room where we are, watching to see if we’re close by. Only one seems bothered a little more than the rest laying even closer than the rest, but calming as we stroke her fur and tell her everything’s all right. She trusts us, so she lays down to rest, unless the thunder and lightning gets louder instead of passing quickly.

I could tell by all the sleeping dogs lying in their favorite places that the worst of the storm was over. I looked around and saw peace and I felt it too. I remember thinking at that very moment, “I am surrounded by angels.” I was deeply touched by this family picture of my husband and me in our chairs with our loving dogs all around us. I believe dogs are here with us to give unconditional love and to teach it to us. It can sometimes be a tough lesson for humans, but for dogs, I believe they have it down pat.

I remember begging my parents for a dog when I was about eight years old, wishing and believing with all my heart that I would have one soon.  When my best friend got a puppy, knowing how much I wanted one, her parents called my parents and said, “There’s one pup left, the runt!” I could hardly believe it when they said YES and we went to get Jessie, my first furry best friend!

Jessie was a black mixed breed dog who taught me about loyalty, unconditional love, bravery and so many more wonderful lessons. I grew up, moved out and Jessie died a very old dog that lived a good life out in the country and who was loved. I guess he taught me so well, I’ve had dogs all my life and I am amazed how much I’ve learned from every one of them. Each one came into my life in perfect timing.

I am convinced SpiritGod put them here on earth for a huge purpose and to help us humans live a better life. Not just dogs, but all our animals friends! They make me smile, try harder to be a good person, have helped me heal, and cry when it’s their time to go over the Rainbow Bridge. I also believe they are furry angels, always near and watching over me!

Princess pillow posing

 

Copyright © 2000-2013 Mystickblue.com~Fran Hafey All Rights Reserved

My Soul Rising Above the Clutter

Clutter can cause energy blockages, yes, but we can rise about it just as we do with negative energy. A clean, organized, uncluttered space is better, closer to God they say, but, when I sit down to write, create or lift my energy level up to help heal, I can and have risen above it. I would not have accomplished what I have today, if I had not learned how to rise above lower energy, the energy that clutter and feeling scattered can create; similar to meditating. 

Some people like to meditate with silence, music, candles or incense burning, others meditate when they go for a walk, take a bath, clean house, wash dishes or drive. The same is with our homes and spaces, we all live differently and no one way is correct or the only way.

Feng Shui teaches us to allow energy to flow easily by keeping clutter under control. Feng Shui means “water and air” which is needed to flow in our sacred space to keep energy from becoming stagnated. I believe in Feng Shui and try to practice it in my home, but its not easy, with a small home, little storage and an odd design. I like a clean and uncluttered space, but it’s just not always possible. 

I have always been told there are other things more important than a clean house. I don’t mind cleaning, I actually enjoy it, it in itself is quite meditating, but I also believe hugs, good conversations, music, home comfort, a child’s laughter and giving attention to things that may not be here tomorrow; are much more important than a spotless house and putting my laundry away. I have learned to live in the moment, cherish what is now, clean as I go, but do not allow clutter and cleaning to control me and my energy.

I like a clean uncluttered house, but I also love a comfortable home filled with love, good energy and my family, which consists of humans, dogs and birds. I’ve learned, it’s nearly impossible for one person to keep a house clean when you have a mariad of dogs and kids, not to mention a husband, coming in and out, moving things around, creating dirty-ness and turmoil. When or if I feel things getting out of control, I ask for help from the Universe, SpiritGod and others around me. Since I’d rather do it myself, I rarely ask for help from others, but at times I have had to. It’s just my husband and me now, but we still have dogs and birds which are actually the hardest part and we have Grandchildren visit now and then. We live in the country, it’s peaceful and we work hard.

Some years ago I became very ill and I had to stop doing almost everything. I could feed myself, check my email and do little things, but I had to have help showering, dressing and doing everything at home. I couldn’t pick up a laundry basket, wash dishes, vacuum, sweep, dust, well, I couldn’t do much. I was in pain, very tired and going to physical therapy. I had begun to write my first book a few years earlier and was doing well with all the details of putting it together and getting it published, when this happened. I was devastated, to say the least. I cried often, but then I began to realize perhaps some of this was my own fault. Had I paid attention when I was given messages and dreams about timing, slowing down and asking others for help? Had I done what was asked of me? Often, we need to stop and take account of what’s happening around us and within us. Maybe if I had acted on what I was given, which was take more time in nature, believe the book would be done in perfect timing, allowed myself to rest and take more time for myself, then perhaps I may have been able to handle things better and not fall on my behind and have to go to bed and go through so much to heal and get well.

I sat and watched my husband help me and I felt horrible, until I began not having as much pain and was able to read and concentrate better. I read a wonderful book by Sue Monk Kidd, called, “When the Heart Waits: Spiritual Direction for Life’s Sacred Questions.”  One part of the book spoke to me and I share it with people often. This spoke to my heart and soul and was just what I needed to hear. It said:

I noticed a monk, ski cap pulled over his ears, sitting perfectly still beneath a tree. There was such reference in his silhouette, such tranquil sturdiness, that I paused to watch. He was the picture of waiting. Later I sought him out.

“I saw you today sitting underneath the tree–just sitting there so still. How is it that you can wait so patiently in the moment?  I can’t seem to get used to the idea of doing nothing.” He broke into a wonderful grin. “Well, there’s the problem right there, young lady. You’ve bought into the cultural myth that when you’re waiting, you’re doing nothing.”

  Then he took his hands and placed them on my shoulders, peered straight into my eyes and said, “I hope you’ll hear what I’m about to tell you. I hope you’ll hear it all the way down to your toes. When you’re waiting, you’re not doing nothing. You’re doing the most important something there is. You’re allowing your soul to grow up. If you can’t be still and wait, you can’t become what God created you to be.” Somehow I knew in my soul that his words were God’s words.

 From “When The Heart Waits” Spiritual Direction for Life’s Sacred Questions by Sue Monk Kidd

This passage in Sue’s book helped me realize, I was not able to do a lot of cleaning or much of anything else, but instead of feeling bad about it, I took it as an opportunity to heal, grow and go within and learn more about my life. Just like when I’m busy with all sorts of things and my house isn’t as clean or uncluttered as it could be. I may have a stack of books and magazines on the end table, a few dishes in the sink, clothes in baskets to be put away or a pile of paperwork on my desk, but I know if I have a deadline or schedule to keep and it’s not done, it will still be there waiting for me when I get finished. It makes me feel good when I put the dishes in the dishwasher, start some laundry, vacuum the rug, take out the trash and straighten up the kitchen table. There are lots of little things we can do to help us feel better and help the energy flow even when we can’t do a deep cleaning or when we live with some clutter day by day.  

I am only one person and I have to love myself enough to let some things go and not try and kill myself to get everything done. What good would I be if I never listened to my inspiration and sat down to write or create when I felt led to do so? I know when to take time to rest, listen from within and just let my soul grow up. I know there’s always plenty to do, waiting for me to get to it, just like I’m sure there are a few dozen things I could be doing right now instead of writing this, but I know I was pushed along by my helpers to write this now and not later so I could share it with you! 

*Note: This article is not a contradiction of what I believe about clutter, it’s just how I feel about life! My helpers consist of my angels, guides, faeries and others that help from time to time; more on that topic at a later date.

Blessings and love~

 

Cover via Amazon

If you enjoyed this article, please read more about Sacred Spaces, Cleansing and Blessing Your Space, Container Gardening and more, at “My Hub Pages,” and also buy my book, “A Season of Love.” 

 

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Balancing Our Lives

Imagine Stone by Fran Hafey-Mystiblu

Balance. Some people cringe at the word, but regardless, it’s a real feat for some of us to find and keep balance in our lives.

Balance has been on my mind recently because with winter changing to spring, there are so many changes coming on pretty fast. I also had do downshift from higher gear to a lower gear to achieve some healing. I had a dental procedure and due to a previous injury, there was a lot of swelling and infection, plus my dentist felt some was due to an allergic reaction. We had no idea what I reacted to, but nonetheless it was painful and took me out of commission for a little over a week!

When something like this happens, when we experience shifts and changes in our lives; which is pretty much all the time, we learn and find ways that help us. When we go from one season to another, deal with illness, move to a new home, change careers, are having difficulty with a number of issues, then, we are in constant search for balance. Perhaps it’s our heart and soul that seeks balance, but our minds need it even more! When not feeling balanced, so many things can affect us in a more negative way, instead of feeling the flow of positive energy that comes when we’ve found the way to have balance with less effort; once it comes more easily for us. I’ve learned how to do this in so many ways that help the balance flow easier and easier for me.

I am often reminded of pain in my body, but with meditation, creating balance, peace and sacred space in my life and surroundings, I find it easier to deal with the physical pain, problems and issues that occur. Our minds can be tuned into thinking positive thoughts to help us everyday. I feel much better when I stay positive and upbeat. I know we will not always feel that way, but we can learn how to do this so the good energy flows easier and more constant in our lives.

Some ways to do this are by taking time out, everyday, to sit and do nothing. Turn off all the clatter going on in your mind, stop the noise. In the beginning, you may be able to do this for only a short time, but with practice and patience the time will grow longer. Sit quietly in a place you enjoy or find comforting. I love to sit outside on our front deck swing or on a moss covered spot at the roots of a tree in the woods or perhaps a window seat or spot indoors where it’s quiet. Look around, take in your surroundings, breathe. You can close your eyes if you like. Slow down your thinking process, leave it at your feet or at the doorway, you can pick it up again later on. If it helps, think of one word. I like to use “peace” or “love” or “breathe.” This helps you to slow down the noise in your head and center on just one thing. I release the tension in my body, let go of holding on and holding in life’s daily thoughts, that can rob us of peace. If you cannot do this everyday, try doing it when you can, but I urge you to try to set aside some “you time” everyday if possible. The balance and peace that follows is worth every minute of it.

Balance is about filling your life with more than just problems and drama. We will have those things in our life, so taking time to create peaceful moments, happiness, sacred space and be mindful of what robs us of these positive things is very important. By doing things I love, that feel good and lifting myself up above negative thinking, I have found balance in my life. When physical pain tries to bring me down, I remember to do what feels right and listen to my body. When others around me try to tell me my way of life is wrong, I remember my heart and what stirs my soul. I spend time in the garden, grow some of our food and herbs, laugh often, spend time doing what I love, walk in nature, surround myself with people filled with love, hug my children, my husband, my dogs and talk to my birds and plants. When we find what makes us feel good and happy and not allow negative energy to steal away these things from us; then we have found balance and it’s easier to maintain balance when we know the difference in positive and negative and how they affect us.

Take time to find out what’s in your life that helps you create balance or what seems to cause you to feel unbalanced. When we identify these things, it helps us to give and take and make positive changes to find and keep the positive balance we need. What’s not working or is taking too much energy or time; let it go, begin to make changes. When it feels good and creates peace and happiness in your life, do whatever you can to keep that great balance!

Blessings and balance~ Fran-Mysti~

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Our Soul’s Journey

Picture taken by Fran Hafey-Mystiblu 2013

Everything in life is interconnected. Each season turns into the next, no matter what we do with our time. We’re drawn to nature and spiritual ideals for a reason. We are part of everything and everything is a part of us. It’s very natural for us to desire natural things.

More and more, we’re waking up and feeling the pull of our soul back to what we know. Have you ever felt like you’ve done something before, been to a place or known someone before, even though you just met them? Some call this deja vu; I call it remembering our soul’s journey. Experiences, places and people, leave imprints of energy.

When we begin to awaken and come to know our true selves, our inner selves, our true heart and soul, we remember. When we meet people and we feel a familiarity with them, often they’re part of our soul family. I believe the term, “Soul Family” refers to more than “blood relatives,” but those we were very close to, had lifetimes with, were involved with and were best of friends; those we have a spiritual/soul connection with. I have experienced this many times in my life and have come to find, we always meet people for a reason; whether to finish something we started in another life, for deep love or perhaps karmic reasons. It took me a long time to learn that this includes people we may not like or get a long with well too. All people in our lives come and go for a reason or lesson, for us or them perhaps. Again, it’s very natural for us to be drawn to people, places or things as we allow ourselves to open up to who we are and have been forever. Our soul has traveled many journeys and some have just begun to remember.

I can recall when I was a child, having memories that would come to me in visions. I didn’t understand them and had no one in my life to help me to figure out what was happening to me. I also began having dreams about past lives and things that had happened to me. I asked questions, but my family was not open to any of this. They felt it was evil or wrong and told me to stop it. I didn’t dare tell them I talked to spirit guides and angels and also talked to trees and animals! Talking is one thing, but “knowing and hearing” them back, is another!

I’ve learned many lessons in this lifetime and look forward to many more. Not all have been easy, fun or something I chose, but somehow, we do choose many of the experiences we will have in each lifetime. We have a “blueprint” we create before we’re born, things we agree on to happen at certain times to help us learn and grow. I do believe “life blueprints” can be changed slightly, just as any blue print. Even when we have “detours” in our blue prints, they always end up being just what we needed to learn a valuable lesson for life.

As we learn and begin to notice a difference in our lives, we begin to let go of extra baggage and heal from old wounds. We find peace within, even when the world is not always so peaceful. Learning to forgive, to let go; to not always be in control but allow things to flow, is a sign we’ve grown and are becoming wiser. This doesn’t always happen over night, but can take patience and persistence, learning to love ourselves and others in much deeper ways.

Our soul’s journey can take us to fantastic and magical places in different levels of our consciousness and to places we may not have believed possible. I have come to believe anything is possible! Our souls are interestingly complex, with many layers and most have hardly touched the surface, much less, understanding the soul completely. The soul is infinite, traveling and learning forever.~

 

*One of my passions is “Soul Connections” and I’m working on a  new book with that title! I also have a Yahoo group with that name, a webpage and a Facebook page also! I write extensively on this topic, have my own Twinflame experience and also help people who feel “spiritually stuck” or have experienced a soul-mate type meetings with someone special and have questions or need help with clarity. If you would like an online session or email session with me, please contact me. I can also help with other spiritual questions and mentoring. 

*Thank you for reading and if you would like to read similar writings, please take a look and order my book, “A Season of Love,” at my book page or here on my blog on its on page!

Blessings~ Mystiblu- Fran Hafey

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A New Year, An Ending and A New Beginning

Have you ever had an animal come into your life that touched you so deeply you couldn’t quite figure out why at first? I’ve had a few, and all their memories are strong within me forever. They touched my soul and later, I knew why we were together. Sometimes I didn’t know until they had gone from this world, why they were meant to be in my life, and the reason, but I am better for it. We had something to do and I know one day I will be with them again and for now, they are always with me in spirit.

I don’t want to be a downer, especially with it being the new year, but my husband, Ron and our new year started off a little strange. We’re doing our best to remind each other, its not a “bad beginning” just an end to one life and the beginning of a new one. Its healing for me to write and share this story. 

On New Years day, our little Elle, or “Miss Elle,” one of our precious dogs, began acting a little odd in the afternoon. We checked her over and discussed that we would wait until morning and see how she was doing. If she was not better, we would take her to her own Vet. We truly thought she was constipated from eating rawhide. We rarely gave it to them, but for Christmas, it was a treat.

About eight at night, she took a huge turn for the worst. She went outside and didn’t come back in. I went out to find her and as she walked up our ramp, she looked right at me and stumbled, fell over and began screaming and arching in pain. I thought it was because she could not pass something, so then thought she may have a bowel obstruction. When Ron held her in the bathroom, she arched her back in pain and I said, “she’s dying.” We called our Vets office and they were not there. We called the closest E.R. and told them we were bringing her in.

It seemed like the longest drive in history and each time we hit a bump or had to go over speed bumps, she would cry out in pain. I held her close in one of my favorite blankets. When she had two really bad episodes, arching and screaming, I told her to give it to me and I begged SpiritGod and the angels to help her. It was horrible, but I had to be strong for her. After the last “seizure,” as we came to find out later that’s what they were, she found a place close to me and the door, and finally seemed to rest. I checked often to see if she was still with us. She didn’t make another sound until the E.R. tech came to the van to take her from my arms. When we walked to the front desk, I noticed she was bleeding from her mouth and I could see blood in her eyes. What I thought it had been, an obstruction, changed to the same issue she had in the summer, a autoimmune problem with her blood not clotting. They took her in the blanket straight back. We never even had to sit down before they took us into a room. A nurse or Physician’s assistant, came in and got more information, as I was filling out a form. It wasn’t long before the doctor came in and said Elle was critical and was bleeding into her brain and actually her whole body was bruised and bleeding inside. She said they would get us an estimate on what they needed to do and let us know.  

When the physician’s assistant came back in, she had a form showing what everything would cost. We looked at the bottom line and about fainted. Yes, we love her and yes we wanted her to get better, but something in me, perhaps my Mother instinct, became stronger and I asked, “What are you telling us, that you will not do ANYTHING until we pay this?” They told us over the phone it was a $95.00 just to bring her in and it had to be paid that night. We could have paid some of the bill that night, but it was just after the holidays and it hit us hard. I came right out and said, “The doctor has not even told us her prognosis! I need to know her prognosis before I can say what we will do next! I was not yelling or angry, but I was to the point. This was my “Princess Elle” and “I” was not ready for her to go yet… until she looked us in the eyes and said, “She will not make it through the night.”  

We kept hearing another dog crying and it brought to our attention that she was in pain. They said she was not moving or crying, but when they moved her, she was very uncomfortable and would cry out. I looked at Ron and he looked at me and with tears in our eyes, we said at the same time, “we need to let her go.” We told the assistant, that we didn’t want to put her through anymore pain and suffering, that it wasn’t the money, it was about Elle. She said she understood and she was sorry, as we both began to sob, not holding back. I apologized, but I knew this woman had been through this before. Somehow that helped. We said we didn’t think we could handle watching them inject her and end her pain. She said she would give her something to help with pain and bring her to us to say good-bye. She also asked if we wanted her to make a clay pawprint of Elle’s paw for us that had to be baked at home to set it. We said yes, of course.

Once she brought her in, we decided we should be with her to the end. We spent some time with her, saying good-bye, telling her how much we love her and how special she was and had been in our lives. She was so tired, not responding to anything we said or did, just wanting to rest. We knew it wasn’t just the drugs, but that she was done with all this. We could still feel her love. Then we said there was no need to prolong her pain. We were grateful she had the iv catheter in already and so the injections were easy and quick. Within two minutes, she was gone. She had been so ready to leave her sick body behind and cross over the Rainbow Bridge, where some believe animals go to be reunited with us one day in spirit. We cried, but we also knew she was free of pain and was now being introduced to all our other dogs, cats and birds that had passed over the years. I even saw her running happily, giving them a run for their money. Whole and free. That made me smile. I asked if we could take her body home to bury with our others and the assistant said, “of course,” that she would wrap her for us and put her in a box. I told her no box, to just wrap her in the blanket she came in because it was one of her favorites.

The last couple of days, we’ve cried more than we’ve ever cried over losing one of our loving pets. Maybe it’s because of her energy, her sweetness, but fiery temper, the way she seemed so regal and “princess like.” She radiated love and light and made me feel happy every time I saw her. I found her on a pet list, someone was trying to find a home for her because they didn’t want her anymore, they felt she barked too much and she wasn’t what they wanted. I was thrilled to find her and could hardly wait to have her here with us in our home! She didn’t disappoint us, not ever. She only brought us smiles, laughter, love and joy. We really miss her but we know we did the right thing. 

One day the pain of losing her will be gone, at least not how it is now, even though we know we lost her in body, but never in spirit or in our hearts. We have five more dogs at home and a number of birds. We still do occasional rescue work, our most recent finding a good home for a stray kitty. We know there will never be another Elle, no not ever, but we do know we’ve been blessed and we’re grateful to have had a few years with her.

Rest in peace dear Elle. Thank you.~ 

~Gone yet not forgotten although we are apart. Your spirit lives within me, forever in my heart.~ Author Unknown

Please read about Thrombocytopenia, a blood disorder in dogs that is life threatening. Pass this information on to anyone who has dogs or that may have symptoms. Thank you. 

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=2+2101&aid=3575

See Elle’s story about when she first got sick and was in the hospital in summer 2012 at 
http://www.mystickblue.com/DonationsforElle.html

Also read my story and tribute to Meeko, Little White Fox, called, “Today I Missed a Friend.”

http://Mystickblue.com/TodayImissedafriend.html
 

This story and page is Copyright Fran Hafey Mystickblue All Rights Reserved ©2013.

Giving Comfort and Joy

Our Christmas tree December 2012

I am finished with my decorating and gift wrapping and looking forward to good times with family for the holidays. The television is on with constant holiday specials and shows, while I do last minute preparations. The temperatures have dropped and we may even have snow and ice tomorrow, Christmas eve. I look forward to it, but also know so many will be traveling, including us during the next few days. I’m sitting going over my list and checking it twice when I decide to turn on my new laptop and work on learning how to get around on it and updating some programs. I’m not used to a touch screen but I’m getting the hang of it for the most part. I hit a box on the start page and it goes to news. I usually don’t read a lot of the news online, not daily anyway, but something caught  my attention and I began to read the long article. So many emotions came over me and I felt I wanted to share some of them here on my blog.

I read about courage, sadness, death, community, Christmas lights, presents, people who care and those that wanted to help in anyway they could. My heart was touched and tears welled up in my eyes. As I read, I could see images in my mind, in full color, and my emotions were bitter sweet. I read about love, unconditional love, giving, life, children, the true holiday spirit, where people were doing their best to make some kind of sense out of something that made no sense. I could feel and hear angels singing and at a time when they’re nearer to earth than ever, they’re needed more than ever to comfort and spread joy, just as we’re all needed to help do this.

I felt proud to read of so many people giving of themselves and doing what I wish more people would do all year long and everyday. I wondered why tragedy brings people together and opens their eyes and hearts to the art of true humanity, but why it doesn’t always last. I wiped the tears from my eyes and said a prayer for the angels affected and the angels helping now. Such deep emotions, even as large as our world is, touch others and cause vibrations to change. It’s like a ripple in the ocean; it takes time to move the water and it can travel a great distance, but it makes a change, an effect on the water, just as events with humanity. 

With spirits high, emotions strong, love in the air-especially this time of year, we need to be aware of how blessed we are and how important it is for us all to be awake and aware of our lives; if not, it’s for nothing. We are here to make a difference and even when we do things quietly or without others knowing, we know we’re here for a purpose. Being kind, sharing love, creating peace, being joyful and filled with light… we’re being a positive example to the world and helping the balance. 

As the last days of 2012 count down, take time to find the good things about your life, be a positive example, give of yourself and your time in ways you feel are right in your heart. Do your best to help others, love always, even when you must deal with not so positive people or situations. Be gentle with yourself and let go of expectations and just live life to the fullest, living your dreams and creating the life you deserve and a life filled with joy and love. Be well.

Wishing everyone wonderful Holidays filled with magic, a Merry Christmas, a Cool Yule, and joy, peace, love and light, no matter your belief or how you celebrate. May your New Year be fantastic and the best yet!! ~2013~

Sent with love,

Mysti~

Fran Hafey

Giving From the Heart for the Holidays

I hope all of you had a wonderful Thanksgiving filled with love, blessings and abundance! Here in Virginia, the weather was beautiful with a sunny, warmer day for November. My family and I, got outside, played some football, had some laughs and enjoyed a wonderful meal my oldest daughter cooked for us. It all came together with everyone bringing a dish, dessert, extra chairs, a table cloth, etc. or whatever was needed for a larger dinner crowd. My parents were both there, in their mid 80′s and left before it got dark for their trek home.

During the day, we told stories and talked about our latest aches and pains, but never forgot how blessed we were to be there all together. We know, not all families have what some consider a traditional Thanksgiving, with the turkey and stuffing, vegetables, pies and football games. Many are homeless, estranged from loved ones, alone, seeking work and not fortunate enough to have family and friends to gather with. I know this and do my part to help throughout the year, giving to those in need, whether it be spiritual or physical. I do my best not to complain but ask for a little help now and then when my body feels the need to slow down and take a break. 

My message for today is about really giving from the heart and how for the Holidays we don’t have to buy anything to make others happy. What we give, truly give from within, is the most important thing. 

This time of year isn’t always easy for me, not because I get depressed, stressed or feel flustered about shopping, cooking and decorating, but because I feel so much of the energy floating around from others, that’s not positive or loving, but is more about buying, getting, taking, rushing, complaining, arguing, money and much more. I do my best to keep the true meaning of the holidays in my heart all year long, having joy and peace within as much as possible. It makes me sad to see how some people act around the holidays. The meaning of the holidays is what’s most important, not how many gifts we buy, the amount of money we spend or if we can buy the biggest gift to try and please others. I can hardly stand watching the commercials on television promoting buying a car, diamonds or monstrous gifts or the attitudes of some children these days about the holidays. It has to begin at home; passing from one to another the real meanings, the traditions, what’s really important and how wonderful it is to really put some loving thought into what we do, how we act and our attitude of gratitude at this time of year and all year long. 

What are we teaching and learning? I find that the innocence of a child about the holidays is refreshing and true. I saw a television show during the weekend called, “Cancel Christmas.” It was about re-birthing hope, trust, love and giving gifts of ourselves, from our hearts instead of buying gifts from a store. It was very heart warming and I cried when I saw people helping each other not because they had to, but because they wanted to. There was one part I really loved when the real Santa went to the local mall and children sat upon his lap, he asked them “what gift are you going to give your parents this year?” The children looked puzzled for a minute and said, “But I don’t have any money?” That’s when Santa told them, “Gifts don’t have to be bought, you can give a gift of helping with the dishes for a week or do something helpful around the house.” When pictures were taken of Santa, each picture showed him differently, as each child saw Santa in their hearts. Santa was a different nationality in every picture! I was amazed by this creative thought the writer came up with for this television movie. Yes, it was on television, but it had a wonderful message. It was on The Hallmark channel and this time of year, they show a lot of beautiful movies that truly touch our hearts. 

Every year, I do my best to spread holiday cheer and joy, reminding people of the most important things. I’ve always loved the feel in the air, how more than not, people have the holiday spirit. When I was about five years old, I would play Christmas  records on my small record player all year round, loving the way they made me feel when I thought about Christmas trees, holly, mistletoe, snow, the loving spirited stories, the baby Jesus, the angels, the Christmas story, family, reindeer, decorations and so much more. I just loved the magical feeling and still do to this day. That’s one of the biggest reasons I do my best to keep the holiday spirit alive and well within me all year long, but especially during the Winter Solstice, Yule, Christmas, or whatever people choose to call it for their own beliefs and way of life. 

This year and every year, give from the heart, choose gifts that feel good to give and don’t be so concerned if the receiver will think you spent enough. It’s true, “it’s the thought that counts,” and having a joy filled, no stress, loving holiday is the best gift we can give ourselves and others too. Choose to do things that feel good and not try to over do or just do too much. It’s not good when we dread the holidays coming, but when we look forward to them with the heart of a child and hold that feeling all year long! 

Happy Holidays and I wish you peace, love, joy and light always,

       Mysti~Fran 

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