I'm finding it so hard to find something possitive on this board lately! Yes, it's the holiday season. It's a stressful time of year, but c'mon, people! Can we put just a tiny effort in putting aside our problems and misery for a bit?

I'm taking the liberty of copying something from Sky's chat last Monday in hopes that some of us will give it a try and not be so miserable. I've put it into practice and it's working for me! I know it can do the same for you.

"_Sky: Feelings cause behavior.
Thoughts cause feelings.
When we assess a situation based upon our previous beliefs, then our behavior might not be what we ultimately wish. We need to be <font color="#880000">mindful</font> of each situation as though it is new
and work from those thoughts, creating new, good ones. Learning to be <font color="#880000">mindful</font> is a process."

Sky goes on to say that we need to start with little things for short periods of time...

Gift wrapping is a chore for me but this year, I've practiced what Sky said and I concentrate on the gift and who it's for. I look at the wrapping paper and think how pretty it is. I'm careful of how much tape I use thinking of how I would feel if someone does a shoddy job on MY gifts. I want to be proud of the wrapping job I do.

That's one example. Baking is another. When I start mixing and adding ingredients, I think of how good each ingredient is on it's own, I marvel at the way the mixer does its job and I even sample the mixture. On and on...

Before I know it, time has passed and it's been enjoyable. Things haven't been a chore at all! I know we can all find something small to begin with to start practicing being <font color="#880000">mindful</font>!

How about we try it... just one thing for tonight... then again something else tomorrow. We owe it to ourselves to find SOME joy or happiness during this season that is supposed to be a happy one. We can do it! If *I* can... so can YOU!

Peace and joy to everyone that reads this.