By Rina Risper, President & Publisher of The New Citizens Press
You can never take the Christ out of Christmas… it is literally in the name.
The best Christmas gift that you may have left on the shelf this holiday season was yourself. Embracing the spirit of joy and giving beyond just Christmas is so multifaceted. Some wait for the adrenaline rush of giving or receiving. Some are at home alone suffocating in sadness. Some are attending religious services for the first time this year. Many are waiting for family to come through the door with a dish to enjoy.
- Self-Reflection and Awareness: The journey to find oneself often begins with self-reflection. This means taking the time to understand your values, beliefs, strengths, and weaknesses. It involves introspection and asking yourself profound questions about who you are and what you want in life. And do not forget to take the blame for the things you allow to happen. Keeping a journal or meditating can be helpful in this process. Forgive yourself for not being what others want you to be or what others cannot be for you.
- Pursuit of Personal Passions and Interests: Engaging in activities that you are passionate about can lead to a greater sense of self. This could mean pursuing hobbies that you left behind in your childhood, learning new skills like crocheting, or even changing careers. Doing what you love can bring a deeper sense of fulfillment and happiness. Make sure that if you are changing, others are adapting to your new space. If you no longer want to do something or be something, change for you and they should adapt. If they do not see your growth, then it is time to move on as painful as that may be.
- Mindfulness and Living in the Moment: Practicing mindfulness and trying to live in the present moment can help in appreciating life’s simple pleasures. If the sun is shining brightly, revel in it; you will never be able to capture what you are feeling on your camera phone. This can involve exercises like deep breathing, mindful walking, asking yourself what truly makes you happy, or simply being attentive to the world around you. It is not spontaneous shopping.
- Acts of Kindness and Giving: The joy of giving and kindness should indeed extend beyond Christmas. Engaging in acts of charity, volunteering, or even small daily acts of kindness can promote a sense of happiness and fulfillment. It reminds us that our actions can have a positive impact on others and the world. Make a few phone calls to people who have lost a loved one. Let them have an hour of your time to tell you the same story that you have heard twenty times. The ability to listen is your gift to them.
- Building and Nurturing Relationships: Strong relationships are key to happiness and self-discovery. This means investing time and effort in family, friends, and even new relationships. Sharing experiences, supporting each other, and learning from others can be greatly fulfilling. Moving on from friendships is especially hard. Any relationship, whether it be in business or familial, should make you smile, not question. Be open to understanding but maintain the boundaries that you have created for yourself.
Remember, the journey to self-discovery is ongoing and unique to each individual. It’s about finding what makes you truly happy and fulfilled, not just during festive seasons like Christmas, but every day of your life.
At its core, “raggedy” signifies something that has lived, endured, and survived. It represents the raw, unfiltered essence of life and its many experiences. In an age where perfection is often sought after, “raggedy” stands as a testament to authenticity.
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