YOUR LIFE A-Z:WREATH

This Circle of Life Brings You Holiday Blessings

WREATH
The history of the WREATH pre-dates Christianity by at least 1,000 years.  It originated with the Romans and was worn as head- dress and placed on doors as a sign of victory.  It meandered into Europe as part of the pagan celebrations of life during the cold and dark winter season. The WREATH was made of evergreen or holly representing the circle of life’s seasons and sturdiness of life. The WREATH was adorned with four candles representing the four elements, earth, wind, fire, and water.  The WREATH served as a practicality giving light to the dark corners of the home as well as a symbolically reminding people that light would return and they were sturdy enough to endure.  It was only after Christian’s co-opted the pagan rituals that the advent WREATH came into being.   Also in Europe, WREATHS were used as a way of identifying one’s personal residence, similar to our street numbering system today.  A European would say, “I am the house with the such and such WREATH on the door.”  Thus this circle of unending life found its way into the everyday life of the people.  Do you have a WREATH on your door this holiday season?  If so, how did you choose the one you have or did you make it?  Think about the symbols you would like to have your WREATH represent.  If you were to add one decorative item that represented something special to you this holiday, what would it be?  Enjoy making your WREATH a bit more personal.

YOUR LIFE A-Z:HANDLE

GET A GRIP ON YOUR LIFE! OPEN THE DOOR!

HANDLE

Interesting that the word HANDLE in the English language has so many meanings.  It is the external part of a door that one uses to get in and out of a home, building, or room.  Without a HANDLE like that it would be much more difficult to enter and exit a place. Where could a HANDLE near an entrance or exit make your life more convenient?  HANDLE also means to fully touch something, as in exploring a piece of pottery with your hands.  What piece of your life do you need to HANDLE with detailed exploration?  The multi-meaningful word HANDLE also means to manage effectively.  Life is always changing and in any moments notice it can go from bad to worse or from better to great.  Getting a HANDLE on life is one big roller coaster ride and for the most part, things work themselves out safely; but if you don’t enjoy roller coasters, then you need another way to HANDLE the ups and downs of life.  Life is to be enjoyed and it is up to us to HANDLE things in the most positive ways possible.  Think about it, what good does it do you to stay angry, harbor bitterness, and become a hateful negative person?  Really, do you get something positive out of HANDLING life from that victim’s mentality?  Learn to HANDLE your life’s ups and downs in stride, knowing that your attitude in HANDLING it will make a world of difference in whether you enjoy the ride or not. 

YOUR LIFE A-Z : STRENGTH

BE STRONG ENOUGH TO GET WHAT YOU WANT

 STRENGTH

There are many definitions of the word strength.  When you first saw the word this morning what images came up in your mind?  For me, strength needs to take a positive connotation. Unfortunately, the first word that comes with strength is Core Strength.  I judge myself harshly for not having core strength and not enjoying any of the exercises one must do to obtain core strength.  Thus I set up a self-defeating pattern and usually stay stuck.  In order to have core strength one must work at it. Core strength provides us with stability, flexibility, and balance.  The core is so important to our ability to stay active and mobile as we age.  Core provides us with grace of movement.  It gives us the ability to move with intensity.  Intensity creates space and energy allowing us to accomplish goals, projects, and dreams.  Having our core strength in shape helps usmaintain good health, good posture, and an agility to accomplish things we once thought impossible.  Thus, the theme of nurturance, mindfulness, possibilities, are helpful in working at something that will bring good to our lives even though we are not crazy to go after it with Zest.  What are you willing to do to strengthen those areas of your life that will bring you positive outcomes even though they are not pleasant or exciting to do?  I am willing to lift upper body weights three times a week and I enjoy planking.  So I do that, nothing more, nothing less.  When I hear my critic on my back, I say,  “I have done my commitment to myself.”  Make small goals so that you can succeed.