Today is December 21st, the shortest day of the year, Aveen's half-year birthday, the winter solstice. We haven't seen the sun in what feels likes weeks. Even daylight is a rare treat. It is dark when we wake, barely sunrise walking to work, and dark again when we come home. I don't have a window at work anymore so the day passes me by.
The weather has also been fitting - extremely cold, lots of snow. It sometimes feels like we are in a cave, buried in snow. The skating rinks have been opened early this year. It is hockey all day, all the time now.
Christmas lights bring some warmth outside. Christmas trees brighten the indoors. Hot meals warm us on the inside.
It is time to write my Christmas list. (It's not too late because none of it can be bought at the Bay or Chapters online.)
Above all, of course, good health.
But there are a few other things I need and want. Just a few little things.
Courage. So that I can face what life throws at me.
Strength. So that I can get through what life throws at me.
Peace of mind. So that I can rest and be present in the moment and not worry all the time.
Simple pleasures. So that I can get through the day.
Discipline. So that I do my yoga practice and meditation and write and eat my veggies and resist sugar.
Resilience. So that I bounce back. (Thank goodness, I already got this as a gift some time ago and I always have it.)
And if I can just have a few stocking stuffers.
To be with my family. I love to be with them. On the sofa. In bed. On skis. Everywhere. They drive me crazy but I love them like crazy.
Dinners and coffee dates with friends. There's nothing better than that e-mail.
Some interesting work to do and interesting people to get to know.
That's all I want for Christmas.
