Happy Solstice!

My Winter Solstice observation was delightfully simple today.  Doran and I started with a cinnamon roll breakfast after which I sent him to school for the last day before break.  I spent the day with my three favorite 11-month-olds, and they were just oozing cuteness.  After a short but satisfying nap in the afternoon, Doran and I shared a lovely meal by candlelight while discussing how thankful we were for this time of year and the return of the sun.  A couple of holiday shows later and I'm ready to retire for the night, eager to sleep in tomorrow morning.

I'm amazed at how relatively low-stress I've remained this holiday season.  My goal has been to more consciously enjoy the moment and appreciate this season for what it is:  a time to slow down, reflect upon the year's joys and sorrows, successes and mistakes and plan for the next year.  It's a time to appreciate the many blessings experienced and to let those people close to your heart know how much they mean to you.  The gifts I've given have been given from a place of pure joy and appreciation, not obligation.  I've spent less money mindlessly and created more consciously.  Doran and I have crafted at leisure and created so many delightful memories.  I've been reminded again and again of how beautiful my life is as well as ways I can improve myself and my world.  And while I have looked intently at sales flyers and promotions from a ridiculous number of websites and retailers, it has been a choice not a requirement.  All of this combined has been more liberating than I can adequately relate.

2012 has been a year of so much change and growth for me, and while I'm not nearly where I want to be, I've gained the confidence of knowing I can get there.  As I celebrate the lengthening days, I look forward to what the next year brings.  Merry Yule!