Something isn't adding up for me ... why does everyone I Iook at seem to be smiling? You would think that, given the craziness of the world these days -- the economy in a slump and all sorts of businesses scrambling for survival -- everyone around me would be depressed and dejected. And yet, quite the opposite is true. No, this is not because I surround myself only with people who are wildly well-off or magically recession-proof; rather, I seem to be blessed with a collection of amazingly positive friends! They're all struggling these days, but they're waging their battles with joy in their hearts.
That positivity is a beautiful thing to feel reflected through one's friends and family, especially during trying times. We all know how toxic a sense of doom and gloom can be ... all it takes is one person with a heavy, mournful attitude, and somehow it rubs off onto everyone around them. Well, the same thing goes for a joyful spirit, which spreads happiness and confidence.
Certainly, there are many, many stories of families who are struggling and facing real financial and natural disasters, and this in no way is intended to dismiss their plights. My heart goes out to everyone who is homeless due to fires and floods, and whose holiday seasons will not be so cheerful. For those of us lucky enough not to be faced with adversity on a catastrophic scale, let us take these challenging times as a call to action. This is a chance to focus on the things of real & significant value in our lives and simply do away with the rest! It is an opportunity to define ourselves in a new way and to think long and hard about our resolutions for next year.
So, this holiday season, my wish for you and your loved ones is to be filled with the same sense of hope that we are. A new year is coming, with a new direction, a new focus and renewed commitment to all that matters most. Our goals may not be easily reachable - in fact, we can all be sure that they won't be! -- but it will be that much more meaningful, when we reach them.
Here's to a season of peace, joy and hope, from a Tasty mom to you.