The Christmas season is here, and with it a myriad of memories, feelings, and images. The events of the past few years have magnified the importance of the people in our lives, and also our connection to our greater humanity. When I think of words that are most evocative of Christmas for me, JOY tops the list.

There is definitely a heightened feeling of love and goodwill at this time of year. It gives me joy to see people take a little rest from the regular routines, worries, and burdens of every day life. There are not nearly enough celebrations in our lives, and particularly lately. Life is something we should be enjoying too, not constantly “slaving at”.

I think of joy is a life keyword, an evaluator of the world around me. I’m feeling that if our world was better balanced and society fairer, we’d be seeing a lot more joy on an every day basis.

This is something for all of us to contemplate for the new year 2023 just ahead. How will we claim and live our joy? And not just our joy, but all of the positive aspects of life that we deserve. These are our lives, and all the moments in them are precious.

I realize that some people reading this may not celebrate Christmas. Take a moment to think of your own culture’s sacred traditions and celebrations. What one word is evocative of how you feel as you share those celebrations with family and friends?

I send you sincere best wishes for all the JOY your heart can hold. As you gather the people that you love around you, may your days be filled with a blaze of Light.

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Susan L Hart 2022 / HartInspirations.com