Suzanne

Greetings,

The most wonderful time of the year is upon us, so says the world. Or maybe not. It really depends on the season of life that you are currently in. The office staff reminded me that not everyone feels like I do about this time of year. The reality is that I love this time of year for multiple reasons, though I know that many people do not share the same feelings. I wanted to share all the wonderful things that the season has to offer, but they warned me against it. So, here is my message to you during this season.

If you live in Cleveland, as I do, we have many seasons to enjoy. The winter snow spreads a sprinkle of fresh white powder that glistens upon the now dead fallen leaves, providing a cleansing of sorts. The chilled temperatures give me a desire to slow down and snuggle up with those close to me around a warm fire. The snow piles in my driveway do present a challenge, but they do not rob me of the pleasure of the season.

I believe the key to getting through this time of year is our perception. Do you have a glass half-full or glass half-empty mentality? For example, a glass half-empty person thinks making cookies with my grandchildren is going to be a lot of work and very messy! A glass half-full person thinks what a wonderful memory I am creating and sharing with those I love.

Here is another example. I dread going into the basement to pull out all the boxes of decorations and especially the tangled lights. This is half-empty thinking! A glass half-full thinks about the beautiful surroundings filled with festive colors and treasured holiday keepsakes.

Attitude and perception changes our perception of this time of year. It can be hard when you are having a hard time to think of the world around you as half-full. But with daily practice, we can find more joy, especially during this wonderful time of year. Try to make a happy memory whenever you can and not focus on the negative. Find that half-empty glass and fill it with joy.

Bake cookies, pull out some decorations, and add some excitement with colors and textures to your surroundings. Visit a friend or send a card or two, the kind that goes in a real mailbox. Take a drive and look for the beautiful, decorated houses or city centers. Get that hot cocoa out and find the bag of stale marshmallows. Look at Mother Nature and ponder how she can change our surroundings and enjoy the simple miracles of the season. What about Hallmark movies??? Pull out those old Christmas carols or tunes from years past. If you have a church, go to it. Find out what is going on in your neighborhood. Visit a nursing home or volunteer. When you can, share your presence with the world.

If you have a budget for the holidays, stick to it. Bigger is not better. Watch a child open a gift; they do not need ten. I remember those early young years of my life when the budget was zero. Like seasons, this will pass. When mapping out your life, I hope you will try to see the glass half-full, especially during this wonderful time of year. We all seek peace, joy, love, good health, and an abundance of blessings. We have a better chance of attaining these things when the glass is half-full. My wish for you this holiday season is that you are able to fill your glass with joy and laughter so that you too can share in the wonder of this time of year.

May you be blessed abundantly,

Suzanne Tierney President & CEO Lupus Foundation of America, Greater Ohio Chapter