From the editor...
Joy!
Joy is a state of mind, and we get to choose!
I love this time of the year! As a matter of fact, of all the holidays throughout the year, Christmas is by far my absolute favorite. I love the little things. Things like friends who make an extra telephone call just to make sure that I have not forgotten how much they love my African pudding. Or, watching my cats as they try to dislodge as many of the ornaments from the tree as their little paws can reach. I also love early Christmas morning when my son, who without fail, will wander down the stairs to ask if I remembered to make enough gravy or my daughter who would rather catch that extra hour of sleep than rush down stairs to take a peek at what she knows already belongs to her alone. I also love walking through my neighborhood to take in the new themes of all the beautiful holiday Christmas decorations of neighbors as they display their version of holiday cheer.
These are just some of the many things that bring me joy as I inhale the emotional fragrance of this time of the year.
As I contemplate the coming weeks, I can’t help but to also feel the bittersweet joy of the things that will be different this year. I imagine it is the “difference” that makes it difficult for most people as they are faced with having to accept the unexpected changes that have taken place in their lives throughout the course of the year.
Like most people, our family has had our share of unexpected changes and will have to deal with those changes as best we can. For example, I will miss our cat Patches who for over fifteen years waited patiently at Christmas until the last ornament was hung on the tree before she began her ritual of swatting the musical bird that I was careful to hang just within her reach. This was my way of spreading some of my joy, if there is such a thing for felines. That little being brought indescribable joy to our family for so many years and it is hard to imagine that she will not be with us this year. This past summer we had the unpleasant experience of having to say goodbye to Patches who had to be put to sleep because of severe kidney disease. I will miss her terribly, but instead of turning my attention to what has been lost, I will find comfort in the joy of the memories that remain. I will also focus on her brother Max who continues to walk about our house as though it were his castle, seeking joy and affection from the people in our home as we honor the joy of his presence among us. I will also focus on the joy of being blessed with those people in my life who continue to love, believe in and support me in my efforts as I work toward achieving my dreams.
As you grapple with the changes you have had to accept over the past year, remember joy is indeed a state of mind, which means it exists within you and therefore no one, but you, can ever take it away. And although there are occasions that will cause sadness and pain, the joy in your life continues to be as it has always been; unshakeable and yours to keep, for as long as you choose to make it at home.
From the editors of Recipes for Good Living Magazine, here’s wishing you and your family and all those you love JOY, blessings of the holiday season and HOPE in the new year.
Deigratia,
Bonnie
