Good morning and Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukah, Happy Holidays, Seasons Greetings – because there are so many holidays and Holy Days being celebrated around the world this day, week, month. During these holidays, many traditions include gift-giving and receiving. And while it’s easy to get caught up in the fun and frenzy of buying and wrapping, making and baking, gathering and socializing, it’s sometimes hard to find the time or the energy to stop and feel the gratitude of being here in this moment – especially if you are in a less-than-stellar situation or mindset.

But, if you have time and freedom to read this post, you are incredibly lucky. There are at this moment over a billion people on this planet who are suffering chronic pain, deep grief, unthinkable loss, war, illness, famine, homelessness, heartache, and more. Each one of them would give about anything to be in your shoes right now.

So, on this day during this season of giving, give yourself the greatest gift of all – the gift of being grateful for where you are and what you have, and what you can do and feel and be right now. For this next minute or two, just stop reading, close your eyes or look around you, and feel the uniqueness and wonder of this moment, the joy of breathing and feeling, the awe of being where you are and who you are with.

I happen to be looking up at a beautiful, dark, clear star-lit sky, feeling the cold bite of winter on my face and the warmth of a cup of hot nourishing tea in my hands. My cats are snuggled happily in their chairs, and Mr. EndlessSeeker is sitting by the fire reading the morning’s news. I wonder how the coyotes and deer and foxes are doing in this cold snap, and I’m grateful I can help feed the birds to keep them warm and nourished right now. It’s always the little things.

I’m grateful for you, too. Readers who make time and effort to read what I write and make comments that encourage me to keep at it from time to time. You are a gift, too.

Be grateful. Be well.

Peace, all.