Thoughts for Christmas Day
Christmas means different things to everyone. Some celebrate this season by other names-but regardless the month of December has held change for all of us-no matter what we 'celebrate'.
I've pondered what it means-and what I feel is coming in 2009.
I know most all have cut 'spending' but still 'spend'-just more cautiously. I think we've all learned some very valuable lessons about what is really important in life this year.
We're more content with things that matter in life like spending time with family and friends. We're not as impressed by 'flashy' as we are 'secure'. We've learned to re-evaluate what is truly important in life-BESIDES 'money'. We are learning keeping up with the "Joneses' doesn't matter anymore. We're learning to conserve and be picky about each dollar we spend-and this has meant yes some have 'cutback' on Christmas spending-BUT consumers now want QUALITY moreso than QUANTITY.
Many have had to deal with job losses-but found that other doors opened to more suitable work-perhaps job losses should be considered doors that shut for a reason to better things-even though we cannot see it at the time.
People now want "REAL"-meaning getting back to the 'basics' in life-home, family, friendships-learning to spend less but CHOOSE wisely when spending.
Will consumers still 'spend' into 2009? YES-but they'll be picky where they DO spend their money and how. Having to budget has taught many of us how to survive an economic crunch-and re-evaluate where we do spend carelessly. We know how to 'budget' and ask ourselves if what we want is a 'need' or 'want'.
People WANT peace and happiness; and for some reason this year-it has hit home to many that IS what life is really about. I think it's taught many that it's time to find balance in EVERYTHING WE DO-and the importance of time and how we use it.
It's taught us to seek happiness 'within'-get grounded in whatever spiritual beliefs we share as that is what will sustain us no matter what is happening in our life. I've said it before-and believe it now more than ever. We have to find quiet time alone to renew ourself.
I saw a frail, homeless female in her late 50s-standing yesterday on a street corner in the cold and rain waving a sign. Normally others would shun that person and drive on. This year I watched as many would get out of their vehicles to hand them a dollar or more. Interesting how people can find compassion in their hearts when their own wallets are not so 'full' at Christmas. Could it be people have learned that 'the secret to success' in LIFE just COULD be to GIVE to others and just MAYBE whatever they give will 'return'?
I think so. Whenever we give to someone truly in need-we can rest assured that 'it' will return-maybe not in money but in other ways-good health, promotions at work, etc. But a principle of many religions of giving is now hitting home as 'reality'. It just 'works'!
Call it karma or whatever you believe-what we give when we hurt-we ALWAYS get back in unexpected ways. It never fails.
What will 2009 bring?
I pray it brings us all everything we've hoped for, longed for and need-but the one thing I do know is this...
It WILL bring us whatever we wish for - simply because we have been givers to someone-somewhere-maybe not with 'money' necessarily; but just a kind word or deed.
Prosperity in 2009 isn't the governments choice--it is YOURS!
Merry Christmas to everyone and Happy New Year!