Tuesday, December 11, 2007

Finding the Joy in the Holiday Season



Although the Christmas holiday is one known for love, peace, and joy, it's also a season that can be fraught with stress and fatigue. Sometimes we put unnecessary expectations upon ourselves and overload our time with tasks that could be streamlined or eliminated. Choosing what is most important and discarding the rest can help make this season more meaningful and enjoyable for all. Even in the midst of long lists of things to do, taking a break is important to nourish the soul. Spending time reading, walking, or taking a drive in the car can all help give us a break from the busyness.

This week I enjoyed stopping to walk along this little road by the river while traveling home from an appointment. I was attracted by the calmness of the river and the snow that sprinkled the bluffs in the distance. Today I made the same journey and the mule deer were abundant, feeding low in the hills beside the highway. I've never seen them here in such quantities before. Evidentially the grass was more abundant and easier to get than up on the snowy ridges of the bluffs. The journey and walk was such a wonderful respite.

5 comments:

  1. Thanks for the reminder to take time to refresh ourselves during this holiday time.

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  2. Beautifully said. I enjoyed all your pictures from your walk. It was a nice way to start my morning today.

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  3. Excellent advice. That is why we did our Lake Ellen road trip Sunday. For me ... I need to get out and away from the "stuff".

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  4. Is this near to where you live? It's beautiful there!

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  5. I love this post! My hubby and I have been trying to get out at night to take a walk. We bundle up and love our nighttime walks, even tho it's really cold!
    Even in the busy season, we try to make it happen!
    Beautiful photo ...

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