Six Word Saturday: Mindfulness

Mindfulness is my message this year

'Tis the season to be jolly,
Fa la la la la, la la la la'.

We hear this every year, sung to us in all shops, by carol singers and in churches all round the World. And we throw ourselves into the Christmas spirit with joy, enthusiasm and lots of overspending.

My message for this year is ‘

Mindfulness

I would like us to pause and think of those less fortunate than us.

The old and lonely. We are all going to be old one day and maybe lonely too….Think about these people now and tomorrow and next year too. Why don't you see if you can 'rent a Granny for the day' - someone sitting all alone in an Old Aged Home, with only her memories to keep her warm. Take her home and allow her to share in your festivities.

The ill and dying. Although we cannot always take them home with us- let's spare a prayer and a hope for each and every one of them this year, as they probably won't see another Christmas on this earth. May their Christmasses be filled with everything they desire (not materialistically!)

The homeless. When I see someone sitting on the side of the road with despair in their eyes and all hope gone, I often think...'this could so easily have been me', and I always spare a few coins for them, or some food. Maybe they would enjoy some of the leftovers from our opulently lavish Christmas dinners.

Abandoned pets. I get so angry when I see or find out about pets that are just 'thrown away' at this time of the year, either because people going off on holiday to 'find some sunshine' and the boarding kennels are closed, or they just get 'tired' of caring for a pet. Please remember- 'A pet is not just for Christmas, a pet is forever'. Maybe you could give your child one of these abandoned pets as a gift this year (but don't expect your child to care for the pet- you have to commit to it personally).

The lonely and alone. You don't have to be over 60 to be lonely, you can feel lonely at 16. Many many people will be spending the festive season on their own, without companionship or a loving family, and if you know anyone in this situation, then please invite him/her/them over for a meal.

Let's find our humanitarianism this year. Let's dig deep in our own pockets after what was an extremely difficult year for everyone economically, and give, give, give.

In my family- we adults- husband, sons and me, don't exchange presents- we give a donation to each other's charity of choice.
Because in a week's time, a lot of people won't even remember what you got or even who gave it to you!

I wish you all a blessed and heartfelt Festive Season filled with 'mindfulness' and joy.