Not Merry! That’s how it felt after witnessing customers spend precious pennies at Walmart. Then, listening to news filled with acrimony further dampened my spirits. Two worlds, light and dark, seemed to exist: one very merry, filled with joyous possibility; the other glum and unattached.

Fortunately, everywhere, holiday lights are shining brightly outside. Blow-up Santas and “moving” lights seem very popular this year. While my dogs consume themselves with their noses and the evening’s scents, my eyes take in the neighborhood sights on our nightly walks. The quiet Denver streets are lovely. Decorated houses look cozy and inviting. Walking is a restorative exercise assuring a fitful sleep and energy for the next day of full-throttle engagement with our beautiful, often complicated world.

It’s normal to have emotional “peaks and valleys” at any time of year. Perhaps December’s shorter days affect our moods as well. Fortunately the Winter Solstice is almost here and we can begin to celebrate the light ahead.

Here are some suggestions for “Finding Merry” to bridge the time to brighter days ahead.

If you’re heading to a holiday function, go out without expectations. Enjoy just being wherever you are, listening and focusing on other people’s lives. Hearing each other’s stories gives us perspective on our own lives.

• Fervently and sincerely remind yourself of the blessings in your life. Recite a simple list of what’s available to you everyday. If there’s a roof over your head and food on your table the list is already long.
• Enjoy your own company, however that looks like for you: a cup of tea and warm blanket with a favorite magazine; a creative activity; listening to reggae music and its inspiring messages, writing a note (sending a text or email) to someone who might enjoy hearing from you.
• Something physical… remember your body and move! The energy you give your body will integrate with your mind and soul and lift spirits.

Finding Merry is about nurturing goodness with others and in your self. At A Table In Time and Globe Getaways we help you “Find Merry” near and far, across the table in conversations, around the world, discovering new.

Wishing you joyous possibility now and every month of the year!