I think there must be something wrong with me, Linus. Christmas is coming, but I’m not happy. I don’t feel the way I’m supposed to feel. — Charlie Brown
I don’t know about you, but this is truly the Charlie Browniest Christmas ever because this is definitely the feel in my house this year. Steve has talked about it, my kids are talking about it. And I am sure as heck feeling it.
So what’s a body to do when you don’t feel the way you are supposed to? My “Modus Operandi” is to ignore, avoid, and squelch down all those “not happy feelings” and it works, for awhile anyways. Until that last straw arrives and then… whoosh. The dam is broken and ignoring and avoiding are no longer possible. The dam broke for me last week… and it was okay. I was not swept away. Yes, there were tears – lots of them. Yes, there was some fist shaking anger at all this. But it was okay. And while I would not call my current attitude “happy,” it is close. And better than that, today I am absolutely at peace.
And!!! That light at the end of the tunnel has not diminished at all! I listened to this cheerful little podcast on Sunday and my hope is growing! (and I laughed, which really helps that happy attitude…lots!) I am so thankful for all the brilliant scientists… they have made my hope grow and grow and grow!
This was a very sobering Google Doodle on Sunday. But this team gives me so much hope! Won’t it feel good to have people in the White House that have the same concerns about our planet as we do?
Finally, Clara Parkes shared this video earlier this month and I just loved it. It was the perfect thing to put on the television to watch while I knit. And!! Sherman also loves it! But did you know there are a couple dozen videos on the Movie Squirrel YouTube site?? This truly is magic and brings me such joy watching, especially this one, which is perfect for Christmas Week! Sherman and I wish you much joy as you watch!
I will be back on Wednesday, to share a bit of knitting and reading!
Meditation has been teaching me to accept what is, and I think I’m getting better at that, maybe almost feeling at peace! Not that there aren’t tears here also, along with deep sadness and wishing things were different, but I have good moments, too. The lights on the tree, reading good books, and watching the birds at my feeders are some bright spots these days,
Those squirrels!!! Too funny. And the ears on the ones in the video Clara shared! This is definitely a different Christmas. no doubt about that. wishing you a peaceful and joyful week Kat!
I would give you a big hug in real life!! I am dealing with all the feels and upsets here. I am trying to be in the present moment every single day.
I love that Sherman has a show 🙂 Here’s to all the feels…and not squelching them. xo
Love the sweet squirrels!
I think we are all feeling the loss this holiday season. I feel a little guilty for missing our annual trip to Florida (after all, we’re very lucky that it’s a trip we can take every year), but really what I miss is the chance to get away from daily life and spend a couple of weeks with my parents. Kiddo is feeling it really hard — we’re going to have a lot of hugging to do when we’re all vaccinated! Sending you love right now. I hope you can find some moments of light in all the dark. I am constantly reminding myself that while this whole situation sucks, we now know that there will be an end to it, and it is in sight!
This has been a bizarre lead up to Christmas–I had surgery last Wednesday and everything has been revolving around that. I’m so unprepared.
I have, however, been loving some fireplace & dog videos. I’m going to check out your squirrels now.
Interesting podcast about the vaccine – thanks so much! The squirrels are enjoyable too. A few of my children and grandchildren will be able to visit so my Christmas will be nice. My daughter-in-law is a doctor and so we trust her instructions on what to do to keep safe. A more relaxed Christmas will be peaceful.
Wishing you a peaceful, happy, healthy Christmas!
I think sometimes we just have to lean in to our feelings so that we can then release them. I’m glad that worked for you last week.
I recorded A Charlie Brown Christmas last weekend and look forward to watching it … maybe Christmas Eve? I do love to hear the KJV of the Luke nativity and of course, the closing Hark! the Herald Angels Sing.
Squirrels (along with anything that even remotely resembles an animal … which includes a lot of cartoons, too) are off-limits on our TV thanks to Holly – LOL. Christmas music however, is in full swing. I am completely in awe of the science behind this vaccine. My mom goes to the doctor tomorrow for her annual checkup and I hope she learns she’ll be in one of the next waves. Marc and I are patiently (ha!) waiting for our turn.
This is definitely a season of ups and downs and differences. I turned to yoga most every afternoon and it is helping me cope. Something about coming back to the breath is healing. While I enjoy the holiday, I sometimes listen to or read something that is not Christmas related. Now and again I need a break from the relentless pursuit of joy.