Twinkling fairy lights and the clinking of glasses time, is upon us.
Cheerful voices boom “Merry Christmas,”everywhere we go. Christmas songs blare out repeatedly, as we stuff our baskets full of all things festive. Smiles and goodwill pour into our communities. The only other time of year we hear this cheer is on the first day of summer. The day the dark cloud’s part and warm, golden rays, shine brightly, on our faces. “Beautiful day…gorgeous!” is exclaimed in abundance. The need to rejoice and release our pleasure has permission at these times.
For all your days to be this happy, with no need for permission, you have a special gift within you waiting to be opened.
Before you unwrap it, a short ‘Night Before’ story, to ignite the magic:
On Christmas Day of 1984, I faced an important life lesson…
I was 18, working as a barmaid in a popular seafront pub/restaurant. I worked very long hours for very little pay. I lived above the pub in a flat with a constantly stressed Head Chef and a quirky, confident waitress. Their daily heated arguments turned into a passionate, whirlwind love affair. I was the rational peacekeeper in-between shifts.
…that Christmas, after a noisy, busy shift, I climbed up the stairs to an empty flat. The pub had closed its doors until late on Boxing Day. The Chef and waitress went to stay with either family or, friends. I was on my own. In contrast to the pub, the flat was still and quiet. It was so icy cold; I sat inside my sleeping bag, on a large old, threadbare armchair. I only had a tin of beans in the cupboard and no heating. I was broke. I wasn’t aware if I had been entitled to a meal at work. I didn’t ask for one. No-one offered me one. Nobody had asked me what I was doing for Christmas. I didn’t volunteer my lack of plans. I had just smiled and wished everyone a lovely time.
I didn’t feel sorry for myself. It was just the way it was. This was my life at this moment in time. I accepted it. I was used to feeling alone.
I do recall thinking; it was only one day until I was back in the warmth of the pub. I would work hard and get a tip so that I could buy some food. In the meantime, it wasn’t so bad. I had a roof over my head. My sleeping bag was warm and I was safe. I had experienced worse than this.
Find the positive in the negative – that is the magical gift within us.
We have a choice in how we think. No-one can take that away from us. We will only harm ourselves if we don’t find the positive in a negative. The gift we have is ‘present’ within us. It costs nothing to look for it. If you find it, the value is enormous.
My fridge these days is full. I am very thankful for that. My home is warm and inviting. I love it and pinch myself many times a day knowing and appreciating how lucky I am.
A creative piece highlighting what I have learnt:
Find Your Positive
Look at what you have and you will have everything
Look at what you don’t have and you will feel empty
Expect nothing from others and you will have satisfaction
Expect from others and you will feel let down
Keep smiling and you will attract people
Keep complaining and you will repel people
Learn from your own experiences and you will find your truth
Learn about you by what others may say and you will hide your truth
Take time to care about yourself and you will feel great
Take no time to care for yourself and you will suffer
Be kind to everyone and your heart will fill with love
Be unkind and your heart will harden in pain
Choose to think positively and you will be happy
Choose to think negatively and you will feel unhappy
Choose wisely… the rewards are waiting for you!
(Copyright © 2024 by Suzannah Ridgway “Wake Up Little Suzy”)
We are what we think! Enjoy your gift…you’re worth it x
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