"I Bring You Tidings Of Great Joy!" -- A Holiday Message From Your Brother Who Loves You

Hello, beautiful friends! Season's Greetings! Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Solstice! Happy Holidays! Blessings, to you all! I think I covered most of the popular greetings, for this time of year. I use them all, interchangebly, and never know which one is going to come out. I love them all.

Often times, if a greeting is extended my way, I just return the greeting that was offered me (A "Merry Christmas!" for a "Merry Christmas!"). In that moment, I am less focused on what words are being used, and more focused on the person, who is greeting me. I choose to pay attention to the intention of the greeting.

I pay attention to the intention of the greeting. I focus on the kindness and generosity that is fueling those words. I focus on the lovely person, offering me the kindness and generosity. In that moment, I bring myself to that moment, and return that kindness and generosity. I love it. It's fun, it feels incredible, and it don't cost a thing.

Some folks get offended, though, if they don't hear a phrase that matches their beliefs, or world views. In that moment, what was intended as a kindness and a generosity, is seen as a personal affront, and the defenses go up. That's OK, but let's remember, defenses are good for one thing...keeping us "in", and keeping others "out".

At this time of year, I get questions sent to me, about how to "make it through the Holidays". I must admit that I have never actually answered that question. I like to answer my own question, which is "How do I milk this whole season, of people wishing me well, and how do I have fun with it?"

There are lots of answers to that question, and I suspect you have your own. For me, it starts with relaxing, and not taking offense at those who are not relaxed. I do practical things, like giving myself extra time (when I can), taking deep breaths, smiling at everyone (a million dollar secret)...and when someone offers me some sort of holiday greeting, I pay attention to the intention, of the greeting.

This little phrase, "Pay attention to the intention.", has helped me to enjoy the holiday season, and milk it for all its worth. OK, OK...I use it, pretty much, all year round, but it really (really) works at this time of year. So, I offer it to you, to try out, and see for yourself. It's a simple phrase, with a powerful potential. "Pay attention to the intention."

Pay attention to the intention. Over the next couple of weeks, when someone says one of these to you, pay attention to the intention. These are words of generosity and kindness. These are words that are intended to connect, and to share an experience of good will.

Pay attention to the intention. These are folks, with their own experiences, reaching out to you, and offering connection...a shared experience. They are not intending to offend God or push some religious/social agenda, or offend yours. They are simply being kind and generous.

Pay attention to the intention. These aren't words of offense. These are words of connecting, of loving your neighbor, of citizen greeting citizen, of love recognizing and calling out to love. Why take offense, just because you hear a different phrase than you use? Pay attention to the intention.

Pay attention to the intention. Pay attention to the connection. Pay attention to the person, offering you the greeting, and accept it, in the spirit, in which it was intended. Pay attention to the intention...the good will, the kindness, the desire to connect and feel connection, the love, the generosity...and feel that intention, within yourself.

Pay attention to the intention. This can be a beautiful time of year, and it can be a lot of fun. Pay attention to the intention. Pay attention to the connection, being made, and instead of defending yourself, bring your self. Bring your whole self, to the moment, and accept the greeting, with your whole self. And, if you so choose, extend your own greeting, in the same spirit.

Pay attention to the intention. Pay attention to your own intention, and decide that each of these moments is an invitation to experience kindness, generosity, connection, etc... How often are we looking for that connection, with each other? Well, here is a whole season, of people doing just that. It's a veritable buffet of human kindness. Relax your defenses and enjoy it.

My beautiful friends, I wish you all the best, in this "wonderful time of the year"! Season's Greetings! Merry Christmas! Happy Hannukah! Happy Kwanzaa! Happy Solstice! Happy Holidays! Please know that I love you, for who you are, and count you as one of my many blessings. Thank you for the gift of you. Blessings!

With LOVE,
Patrick

p.s.  Please feel free to share this, and if you are getting this from a friend, count yourself as one of my blessings too.

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