Regardless of what holiday you celebrate, or how you honor it, there’s no denying this is an emotionally charged time of year! It seems as if we either celebrate all our blessings or wonder why we don’t have more; we over eat, over drink and over think and we anxiously look towards the new year to come, wondering what it will bring us. We encounter people who we may not have seen for years, which may warm our hearts or perhaps break them. Today, whatever your unique situation this year—whether you’re in a growth cycle or working through feelings of loss—consciously acknowledge that you indeed have many gifts to give and receive, if you allow yourself to recognize them. Today celebrate the gifts that you RECEIVE every day-your breath, your freedom to change and to live the life you truly desire; the lessons that you have learned this year and your ability to connect with those people who love you. And, you also have so much to GIVE like your attention, your kindness, your acceptance, your forgiveness and your light. Today, set your intentions to celebrate, to give and to receive. Today acknowledge and accept that you are worthy, beautiful, and valuable to the world around you and to me. I thank you for the gifts you give me every day by being a part of my journey. Thank you and merry Christmas.

Just for today, I celebrate my life and I am grateful. I give myself the gift of freedom from the past and move with joy into the now. I give myself the gift of forgiveness and set myself free. I give myself the gift of unconditional love. I am blessed and I believe that everything is always working out for my highest good. And so it is.