Merry Christmas! May God's Blessings Bring You Peace Today!

Waking up on Christmas morning, I couldn't help but think how fortunate I am. It's been an incredible year for me.  So many things have happened to enrich my life. I woke up feeling grateful about the gifts I've been given. And I don't mean things. I mean people, mostly.

I've made a lot of new friends this year. Lots of wonderful, kind, sharing friends; some through art, some through work. I've tried to show my gratitude to them throughout the year and not just on Christmas.

I've given myself the gift of creating art again after not doing so for too many years. That has been an amazing blessing and given me more happiness than anything I ever imagined. Wonderful, creative, sharing, loving friends came along with my renewed love of art. That was an unexpected mega bonus.

I've reconnected with my family of origin after being estranged for ten years.That led me to meet three great nephews and one great neice who were born during that time! My life is full with family once again and it feels joyous. I wish I could see them more often. I was with them in spirit last night on Christmas Eve. My sister, Jannine, was kind enough to send photo's on FaceBook of the kids opening presents.

So many people gave me love and support this year - many of them I'd never met before. So many people were cheering me on and rooting for my success. For them, I am grateful.

I hope you spend some time today remembering all the things you're grateful for. Take some time to reflect on the abundance of riches in your own life. It's about so much more than opening gifts and eating food - although that's fun too!

But it's the people who make Christmas last in your heart long after everyone has gone home. And for them, I am eternally grateful and planning to show it to them all year long.

"Remember, if Christmas isn't found in your heart, you will not find it under a tree." ~Charlotte Carpenter.