Sunday, December 15, 2013

Traditions Revisited

Christmas Background Design Stock Photo
'Christmas Background Design', Stock image, freedigitalphotos.net


Somehow, this is the year.  After almost 20 years removed from a totally different life that was never of my choosing and 10 years away from the very last vestiges of said 'other' life, I am finally ready to come full circle in accepting some good things that do exist from that life.

But isn't that the thing?  Always learning that nothing and no one are all good or all bad....

I'm still working on that.

This Christmas time it has all manifested in a feeling of acceptance that is washing over me.  A feeling that I will pass along some of what I am to my loved ones and that those parts of me that came from those I was influenced by, in one way or another, will make something worthwhile to share.

In my effort to embrace this idea that I can glean the good out and keep those things, I have found such peace.  It is a gift of great proportions.

Although so many of my childhood friends and their families are pretty much either incarcerated, dead or lost in some other way, I have figured out that I carry so much of what is good and wonderful and true about them.  And I can use my super sharp memory to pick and choose the great parts and keep them, close to my heart.

This year I am revisiting old recipes, Christmas memories, silly fun times, loyalty known only to those who share a certain kind of life; really just the simple things that are true of all human beings no matter what the situation.  It's like a sweet secret in my heart that allows me to bridge some of the old life with the new that is so absolutely different.  It's fun to know that the good stuff can always remain, no matter what.  And people are people- and there's good in them.  Always.

Cookies Stock PhotoCookies Stock PhotoChristmas Biscuits Stock Photo

stock images of cookies, found at: freedigitalphotos.net

I wish a true peace this Christmas season, for anyone who shares my life now and to those who have influenced who I am and will be.

9 comments:

  1. This is lovely, Jasmine. Reading this made my heart shout with joy for you. Yes, there are good times in every circumstance. Nothing is all good or all bad. There is goodness in people who have hurt us. We can choose to take that good stuff and leave the rest behind. It is such a sweet relief, a miracle, when we can see it. By accepting those people and those times is a step (the final one???) to wholly accepting ourselves. And that does bring a glorious sweetness to it. Merry Christmas, my friend.

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    1. Self acceptance is sometimes the hardest, isn't it?! It has been a major step to say to myself that it really is OK that at one time I wasn't strong enough to resist stuff that I knew was wrong. But you only know what you've been taught and told- up to a point. I am very proud of the fact that there are certain lines that I never did cross. That's important to me and helps me to be able to accept what is and know that it wasn't all bad. It is sweet indeed.

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  2. Good for you for having this realization. It makes life much easier to focus on good and positive things, especially from our pasts. Enjoy these holidays with a new set of eyes. Xx

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    1. I do feel as if I am seeing things differently. I certainly am feeling things differently. It is so freeing to let go and not be so stressed about having to fix it all. I couldn't, no matter how hard I try, so I'm glad I don't have to!

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  3. Sounds like you are in a great place right now! How wonderful!
    I wish you a wonderful weekend and a very Merry Christmas!

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    1. I am in a good place. Actually enjoying holidays is pretty new to me and feeling less stressed is so wonderful.
      Just made some peanut butter fudge that rocks!

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  4. You're in a good place! It's always so satisfying coming full circle isn't it? It's almost liberating. Cheers to you!

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    1. It does feel as if I'm being set free in so many ways, from so many things.
      I hope you are well and feeling better!

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  5. Glad you have come to a place where you can reflect on the past and find some peace from it. Merry Christmas!

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