The magic of the seasons first snowfall is upon us and oh how majestic it is! It is silent, gentle, hypnotizing, and deliciously peaceful. These purest specs of white gently floating, almost dancing in mid air, act as a yearly invitation to go inward and hibernate, wrapping oneself in a lovely warm comforter in order to rest, restore and remember where we have been and where we are going. It is an excellent time to take a personal inventory and remember what is important to us, eliminate the pieces that no longer seem to matter and retrieve those things that got lost in the challenges of daily living during the past year. It is a time to sit in quiet attentiveness so the desires of our hearts and souls can reveal where we may have gotten lost. Don’t be surprised if you hear an inner ’job well done’ in addition to a list of future desires and goals! Pats on the back are essential to ones spirit, especially in times when you may feel that you have suspended your own life in order to best serve the needs of another. People need the acknowledgement, from time to time, that they have done enough, helped enough, protected enough or given enough, at least to the best of one’s ability. Sometimes you have to be your own parent, your own cheerleader, extending kudos to yourself for the efforts you have made because the refueling process may be just the thing you need to continue moving forward in service. It is vital to be your own gauge as to what the self needs, even if the needs of another appear to be louder. Do the best you can, but remember that when the reservoir is drained, it lacks the energy it needs to continue. Taking a break can be the biggest gift to everyone involved.

This time of year is perfection for it’s symbolic opportunity to refresh the self, to start fresh again or simply make changes, preparing for the birth of yet another new chapter in life, with the dawning of a new year. It is a time to be joyful for this truly is the biggest celebration of the year! Be willing to consider our elders and honor traditions but also leave room for new ones and some day, someone will call our idea’s ’ancestral’! It is an opportunity to ignite the current generation, liberating them with the permission to think on their own, allowing them to contribute their own expression of self during this season and always. We need to bring back the wonder for ourselves, the adults, and who better to show us the way than our precious youth. They are wonderful guides, whose spark I pray has not been dimmed by having to bear the worlds problems too early, hopefully leaving their spirits free from burdens. They haven’t forgotten how to laugh and sometimes, I need that reminder. Sometimes dance lessons are needed to reactivate the rhythm inside! Make this season a time to let others know what a terrific job they are doing or affirm to someone that their generosity, be it in spirit, service or monetary, is really, really appreciated. Don’t pity them, it is a sentiment that drains instead of fills. Praise their efforts, and in doing so, watch the light that has dimmed shine brightly once again!