Thoughts going into Christmas

"The one thing I remember about Christmas was that my father used to take me out in a boat about ten miles offshore on Christmas Day, and I used to have to swim back. Extraordinary. It was a ritual. Mind you, that wasn't the hard part. The difficult bit was getting out of the sack." John Cleese


I was off looking for fun quotes and stumbled across this one. i didnt mean for it to become serious, but it has. i think to myself, how many times have i felt like i have been in that sack? and then i realize, i spend too much time in that sack (and wouldnt it be better if i was in the sack getting...oh well, nevermind that raunchy thought). that sack is the demon. that sack is a great way to think about what the demon tries to do. put me in a sack, isolate me, and sit back and watch me struggle and drown. Happily, i can say, no more of that. i'm winning.

Usually around the holidays i get very depressed. i dwell on what i dont have or what i am missing, or what i need in order to be happy. well, this year is different- i am focusing on what i do have, and what makes me happy. wanna know what i've found? i thought so....

i have a wonderful family- my mother, G, E, & L. Yes, i consider them equally my immediate family.

i have my health- i may be fat, but i am cancer free, and after that biopsy, i was really scared...

i have prospects for a wonderful future- whether it be in day care or something else, i will be a productive person, i will make the most of my brain and my abilities, and i will be proud of what i do.

i have a nice place to live- albeit under construction, i am living in the place i used to dream about when i was younger. i am not exaggerating. i have the kind of life i used to dream about- how many others can say that?

i have my pets.

i am not taking any of it for granted. i cherish all of it. i appreciate all of it. i thank the Lord above for loving me enough to bring me to this point in my life.

i have happiness more often than i have unhappiness.

i have clarity more frequently than confusion.

i have safety and security and comfort always.

i am not afraid. i am strong. i am capable. i am me. and that is ok.