Where has the year gone?  This time of year can be very stressful with all of the parties, packages to bundle and mail and the endless cards to get to the post office.  I have learned to take it all in stride and not let the craziness that gets built-up around the holidays affect what is really important – my family.  I have a wonderful family.  Our tradition as long as I can remember is to gather at one home central to everyone for food, fun and loads of laughter.  I mean infectious belly laughs that bring tears to your eyes and causes you to let out embarrassing sounds. We travel for hours to get to our destination by road and air only to be greeted by 25 people I have affectionately loved all of my life.  Oh, we’ve had our ups and downs but the downs have been few and the ups many. 

As I write this on the eve of this big day, I am packing a suitcase looking forward to catching up on everyone’s life and wishing once again for prosperity in the future.  The matriarch of our family is 78 years young and her siblings have managed to keep us all together year after year.  My first cousins are like brothers and sisters that I see every year like clockwork.  We are passing on this great lesson of the importance of family to our children so that the circle of love is never broken.  It is because of this family circle that I have balance in my life and I can deal with anything head-on without doubt.  It is this sure footedness that gives me peace; a knowing that is very powerful.   My hope this Thanksgiving is that everyone will take a few extra minutes to simply breathe and remember all good around you. 

Take in small amounts of air and slowly let them out, breathe. Something so easy can change everything.  Sometimes we forget to take care of ourselves in our quest to take care of everyone else especially during the holidays. This holiday season enjoy your family time and take some time for yourself. 

No stress no worries just breathe. 

All the Best,