The Holidays Begin

With the holidays beginning, in my office I now see so many folks who have created an ideal image of what their holiday should be like – and – it is what they think should be the norm. However, when they are caught between fearing a repeat of last year’s family event, and hoping for a miracle for this year, there is little chance for an appreciation of what actually happens. 

What if, you went into an event with no expectations? What if you had the ability to simply show up? No matter what happened, it wouldn’t overly disappoint or surprise you. You would have the ability to just see it for what it was. It would probably have some high moments in which you truly saw the splendor of those in your life, funny moments in which the innocence of the children shows in ways no one could have seen coming, some disappointing moments in which someone said or did something offensive or beneath who you think they are, some sad moments in missing someone you love, and some moments of pure appreciation for what is. This is the realistic holiday and the miracle as well. It is the one in which you get to the humanity and the embodied soul in all those who you share your holiday with.  I wish for you, a splendid and safe Thanksgiving, no matter who you are with or how far you travel to enjoy this gift of life.

Dr. Dorothy Sharing Wisdom: Simplifying the Journey

Dr. Dorothy Sharing Wisdom: Simplifying the Journey: "I lived overseas in Anguilla, BWI for almost ten years and in coming back to the US I have been able to see so many things I never noticed ..."

Simplifying the Journey

I lived overseas in Anguilla, BWI for almost ten years and in coming back to the US I have been able to see so many things I never noticed before. For one, the emphasis that is now being promoted on simplifying life and downsizing is actually a glorious step back into a world where there are so many fewer distractions and responsibilities.  Possessions demand time and attention if we are to keep them working and in good shape. Think of when you are on vacation – one of the greatest aspects of it is the lack of responsibility and/or demands on our time and energy – we all need that.

I moved to that very small island after asking two people about the country; they said to me “As long as one man on Anguilla can fish, no one will go hungry.” & “You don’t have to like everyone here but you have to live with everyone here.” Those basic and simple acknowledgments which had nothing to do with wealth, activities, or success, but simply stated that we are all in this together showed that it is not at all complicated, it is not overly-demanding, life is simply life – unless we complicate it.

This life is not at all about possessions, size or quantity, but about the people who are walking with us. If we keep in mind that we are fed in feeding others and in learning to receive – just focusing on how we do those two tasks will prove to be enough to keep our minds busy and ourselves and our relationships growing.  Life really is very simple – it is just not always easy. Humor and faith are tools that bring the “easy” part into it – or at least make it all so much easier… I wish you all a great sense of humor and a faith that can move mountains.