Tag: #gifts

Christmas & Aging

karenringalls14 Comments

Christmas literally means the Mass of Christ. It is a time to celebrate the birth of Jesus, emphasizing love, peace, and goodwill towards all.

Now that we are in our 80s, the celebration of Christmas has mellowed and changed. It is less about Santa Claus or Kris Kringle. It is more about sending love and peace to everyone, even to those who are rude and grumpy. We remember the message of the play and story Scrooge.

  • Decorating the house with a tree, fewer lights, candles, and garland. Over the years, the tree has become smaller and artificial.
  • Baking cookies in smaller quantities but keeping the tradition of old favorites.
  • Sending fewer Christmas cards via the postal service. Grateful for email cards and letters.
  • Amazon! No trips to department stores.
  • Quiet celebration at home or with friends instead of large groups, as shown in paintings by Norman Rockwell or Currier & Ives.
  • Magic walnuts are still made, just fewer as the kids and grandchildren have become adults.

Our memories of Christmases past bring us joy. Each year we treasure the gifts of:

  • New engagements
  • Weddings of grandchildren
  • Graduations
  • Retirement for some, plans for early retirement by others
  • Births of great-grandchildren
  • The joy of watching our children be parents and grandparents
  • The gift of having stimulating, informative, and interesting conversations.
  • And, the gift that they are now looking out for us, making sure that we are safe and able to still take care of ourselves.
  • We are very proud and deeply love our 6 adult children, 12 grandchildren, and 2 great-grandchildren. Who could ask or want any more than them for Christmas?!

To celebrate the Christ-mas is by treating everyone with love every day.

MY CHRISTMAS GIFTS FOR GOOD HEALTH

karenringalls11 Comments

A box full of laughter, which is the best medicine. As long as we have a smile, giggle, or uproarious laugh, life cannot get us down. 

Two boxes filled with positive, loving thoughts. If we think gloom and doom, our life will be such. No matter the challenge, think about what you can learn from it and become a better person.

Three (or more) healthy meals a day rich in vitamins, minerals, protein, fruits and vegetables. Cut down or eliminate processed foods and sugars. 

Exercise at least four times a week. Opening those four boxes will improve your heart health, body weight, stamina, and will put a smile on your face and happy thoughts in your heart.

Do deep relaxation or meditation at least five times a week. This is a way to calm stressful thoughts, relax the whole mind and body, commune and listen to your God or Higher Power, and find peace.

There is no better gift at Christmas (or anytime) than the gift of health. Our bodies are each unique and beautiful, packaged and wrapped just for us. They do need to be taken care of, cherished, and listened to for good health physically, emotionally/mentally, and spiritually.

I like to think that our bodies are God’s gift to us, and what we do with them is our gift to God…and to ourselves.

BOILING WATER: FACING LIFE’S CHALLENGES

karenringalls13 Comments

Each time I am faced with a challenge, I think of the analogy to carrots, eggs, and coffee beans in boiling water. The carrot enters the water strong, tough, and firm, but once it is in boiling water, it will become soft and easily mashed.

The egg has a fragile shell and its liquid insides easily spread thin. After being boiled in water, the outer shell requires more force to crack, and what was once liquid is now hardened.

A coffee bean gains strength and hardness from the tree. It likes tropical weather with lots of rain, the thin air in the mountains, and the warm sun. The bean needs boiling water to become a cup of coffee.

When faced with a challenge, struggle, or problem, Initially, I am like the cooked carrot that weakens and loses resolve. I do become firmer and more resolute, like the hard-boiled egg. As I reach acceptance, I do become the coffee bean that tries to be a better person and rise to a higher level.

My current challenge is adult-onset macular degeneration. I have had it for about 8 years, but now it is advancing. Writing, reading, and watching television are each more difficult. I have not been as active on my blog, supportive of other blogs I follow, nor read as many books. I went through the grieving process and came to acceptance of my new life. Therefore, I am making changes on my computer, using very large fonts in my Kindle, and having better time management. Your prayers and understanding are appreciated.


	


				
	






	
	

		
GIFTS OF 2022
	


	
					

			 karenringalls10 Comments		

	
	


		






THIS BLOG IS IN MEMORY OF SO MANY WHO HAVE PASSED ON TO THEIR NEXT LIFE, DIMENSION, OR ADVENTURE…THEY EACH TAUGHT ME SO MUCH. THEIR LIVES ARE THE GREATEST GIFTS I RECEIVED IN 2022.





My 3 gifts from 2022: are no further loss of eyesight, celebrating and appreciating my life and those who have passed before me, and living my life’s purpose each moment.





EYESIGHT












A GIFT SO SPECIAL
FADING, BLURRING, SENSITIVE
TOO PRECIOUS TO LOSE







LIFE



INHALE, EXHALE, BREATHE
LIFE FORCE FLOWING IN AND OUT
 A NEW LIFE BEGINS
WHEN SOULS SOAR TO THE HEAVENS
OUR LOSS WE GRIEVE THEY LIVE ON








PURPOSE



TO LIVE FULL OF JOY
TO BRING JOY TO ALL OTHERS
A PURPOSEFUL LIFE
EXTEND YOUR HAND, GIVE YOUR HEART
LOVE RETURNED A JOYFUL LIFE







MY WISH FOR YOU IS THAT 2023, BRINGS YOU JOY, GOOD HEALTH, PURPOSE, AND LOVE. EACH DAY, EACH BREATH, AND EACH MOMENT IS A GIFT AND AN OPPORTUNITY TO BRING JOY TO OTHERS.