Season's Greetings to you!  I hope this finds you slowing down and making the time to make your Holidays special.  That's when the magic happens!

What has 2002 held for you?  Are you pleased with how it unfolded?  Reflect and think about those things for which you can be grateful and also those things that you would like to change.  As 2002 comes to an end, and 2003 begins, know that life once again offers the bright, pure joy of possibilities!

Below is a Christmas article I wrote a couple of years ago.  It always seems to make its way around the web and be very popular.  I hope you will enjoy, even if you have seen it before.  Also, be sure to read below in the Soul Restoration Tip for some thoughtful rituals to wind up 2002 and begin 2003 in just the way you desire.
With Love,
Beth

"If, as Herod, we fill our lives with things, and again with things; if we
consider ourselves so unimportant that we must fill every moment of our lives with action, when will we have the time to make the long, slow journey across the desert as did the Magi? Or sit and watch the stars as did the shepherds?
Or brood over the coming of a child, as did Mary? For each one of us, there is a desert to travel.  A star to discover. And a being within ourselves to bring to life".  ~ Author Unknown


Once upon a time there was a little girl who grew up in a family in which she was loved and taken care of.  She wasn't rich in the material sense, but she certainly had it better than many other children her age. She was comfortable and well taken care of in all the ways that children need to be taken care of. It was a good life.

And she was happy.  And she LOVED Christmas!  She loved decorating the house and the tree.  She loved helping her Mom bake and cook that special meal.
 She loved the Christmas secrets and the anticipation that Santa was coming.
 She loved going to church and seeing the live Nativity. She loved the carols and hummed them all though the Holiday season. She loved having people in the house and hearing the laughter that filled the air.  It was all so magical! And she had peace in her heart.

The little girl grew up, got married and had a family. She had a nice home and many nice things.  For several years things were fine and Christmas remained a special time. Babies make for such sweet Christmas memories.

As time went on, and the years passed, she began to realize that something was missing.  How it happened remains a mystery, but suddenly there was no magic in the Christmas season.  December became a month of frantic emptiness.

The Holidays were filled with endless errands, finding the biggest, best,
newest toys.  Nights were filled with empty parties of people she didn't
really care to know.  Days were filled running from one event to the next.
Time was spent writing piles of Christmas cards (with a picture enclosed of
the 'perfect family,' of course). Afterall, the more cards one sends, the
more friends she has, right?

She spent time cooking mountains of food and every type of cookie known to mankind.  The refrigerator overflowed with food that could never be eaten before spoiling, even if a small army was visiting. She went to bed late at night, falling into a dead sleep -- nothing else to give.  No time for gratitude, prayers or a hug.

Because this is a true story, the truth must be told, and the truth is that
there was adversity and pain through the years. There was the marriage that no longer worked and divorce followed.  The end of a long term relationship and friendship was hurtful. And a child who became seriously and chronically ill was devastating. There was simply no magic.  How could there be joy in such sorrowful times?  There was no peace in the woman's heart.

Time went on, as it always does, and things eventually began to change.  
Healing took place as the woman took charge of her life. She found that many, many answers are found in silence and stillness.  And the woman began to relearn what she knew as a child.  

She learned that it really doesn't matter WHAT is in your life as much as WHO is in your life. She learned that 'illusions' are for mirrors, but not for the real world.  She learned that to fully love others, you must love
yourself too.  

She learned the humming Christmas carols can brighten the spirits on any day.
 She learned to say 'no!' to the things she didn't really want, and 'yes!' to the things she did.  She learned that simple things like taking your kids to cut down a Christmas tree can be the make the most wonderful memories of all.
She learned that Christmas isn't merely a season -- it's a feeling.

She grew so much and she glowed with anticipation of all that could be! She filled her time with meaningful and lasting things like deep friendships, time to read a book, and sit by the fire with a child.  She learned that 'more' can be a burden and bigger is not always better.

Sometimes it is the simplest of gifts in which the richness lies. And giving
is always wonderful, but receiving with grace is also a gift to others. She
learned that God is always here and He doesn't give up on you even if you
want to give up on yourself. And she learned that peace in your heart is the most precious gift of all.

Today, the little girl, who grew into a woman, allows herself to become a
little girl again. And Christmas is sacred once more.

1. Create a "burning bowl" ritual.  Take all those aspects about your life that you would like to change and write them on slips of paper.  Place them in a bowl and light them.   The fire signifies that they are now gone and have no influence over your future.   Make peace with the past and move on.

2. Create a "dream board" of all the things you wish for yourself in 2003.   You can get creative with colors, magazine clippings, etc. Keep your board in a prominent place where you are reminded daily of those things you intend to manifest in your life.  Dream big, ole, lofty dreams!  :-)

3. Work out a plan for 2003 -- decide what is most important to you and the timeframe you would like to see it take place.  Remember that knowing what you want is the first step in getting it.  Bu sure to share this with a trusted partner.

4. Visit www.truegoods.com for a reminder of what really matter most.  Set your intentions on making them a reality in your life!

I wish you a Holiday Season filled with joy ... a heart that is filled with love and a soul that is filled with peace. 

I'll meet you just around the corner in 2003 ... until then, my very warmest wishes to all ....

Beth
Coach / Writer / Human Being

Beth Burns is a Professional Life Coach -- partnering with motivated people on their personal and professional goals.  Her mission is to teach people to love themselves and to love the life they create.  She offers two free email newsletters and can be visited on the web at www.BrightSideCoaching.com.    She is also the Founder and Creator of The Inner Peace Project (www.innerpeaceproject.com), a journey in celebrating the masterpiece and divine person you are, no matter what circumstances you are in.  She can be reached by calling 678-938-0419 or by email at Beth@BrightSideCoaching.com.