To say that the past eight or nine months have been unexpectedly crazy might be an understatement. This time last year, with the holidays approaching, none of us had any idea what was about to happen. The year started much as usual for most of us and then, the pandemic changed all of our lives. These times have been a struggle for so many…health care workers, those who have lost their jobs, children who can’t go to school…it’s been hard on families.

Time to reflect and figure out “the meaning of life” sounds good, but for so many people, that’s not the reality of this time.

I’m blessed to be one of the fortunate ones who haven’t been as affected by the many issues going on in the world today. Looking back, I was able to spend precious time with my daughter who lives in Boston, my husband hasn’t traveled but once since March and I’ve enjoyed having him home. My grandchildren live down the street and my business has grown more than I could have imagined.

I have chosen to take the time to look more deeply at myself, my life, my feelings and reflect on what is important. Certainly, we all want material things, but…happiness, joy, peace and clarity are always the end game. I’ve consciously deepened my meditation practice and made it a priority to meditate, every. single. day. Starting my day with meditation centers me and keeps me focused on the things that are really important. We’re all here for a reason, and that reason is to be the best versions of who we are. How do we get there? We listen, we consciously stop the chatter that goes on in our heads, listen to the stillness and believe that love always wins. Faith is the only thing that will ever conquer the fear that we’re feeling at this time in history. We are part of a benevolent Universe, even though it may not seem that way right now. Let’s begin to nurture ourselves through prayer, meditation and gratitude. There are lessons to be learned from the past, and no one knows what the future will hold. Focus on now and look for things to be grateful for. That is the task at hand. Fear is often the immediate response to uncertainty, but be mindful to not get stuck in fear because it keeps you small. Faith (whatever that means to you individually) makes you strong.

Meditation and prayer elevate the world…many people are living in inner chaos and it is my hope that somehow the collective consciousness of good that we access when we pray and meditate will touch the lives of those suffering, and that during this holiday season, everyone can find a bit of peace.

Connect not only with your families (even from afar) but also with yourselves, even if only for five minutes. Eat well, laugh out loud, cry, feel, be grateful, and have faith …

As often happens, I start a post with one thing in mind and it turns into something entirely different. This post was to be pretty images to inspire your holiday decor. I’m still including those images because beauty is important and enhances our lives!

Taking the time to set a pretty table, light a candle and hang some greenery are all ways to create beauty in our homes and for our families! Add a bit of quiet meditation everyday and you’ve got the ultimate holiday to-do list!

This is so simple to recreate…white plates, white napkins, a sprig of greenery and a red ribbon.

Small touches make a big impact!

Be Present.

Wrap someone in a hug.

Send Peace.

Donate Food.

Make Love.

Be the Light!

I love how the holiday cards are hung on ribbon around the door in the picture above, and also the way the ribbon hangs behind the wreath on the window.