The last week of the year always contains the celebration of Christmas and New Years Eve. Sometimes it will also contain the celebration of Hanukkah. The Spirit of Christmas and family connections and reunions of this final week of the year focus on Love for one another and a focus on GOD’S LOVE for everyone. People seem to be kinder and friendlier on this final week or final ten days of the year. I have noticed the kindness and warmth that people bring to each other. On, Sunday, December 22, I went to Church and then to my favorite restaurant, The Brunch Bar, in Rochester, Michigan so close to where I live now. People again were so friendly, wishing me Merry Christmas, opening doors for me as I often walk with a cane, smiling at me and giving me hugs. Love and warmth seemed to be all around me. And to walk into a restaurant where the staff greet me with a hug is so uplifting. I have been to two Christmas gatherings with relatives and friends. It just feels like LOVE IS ALL AROUND and it gets even deeper and more uplifting this last week of the year. I say to myself “What if this love and kindness was present every day of the year.” And then I realized that I could make this happen in my own life each day of the year by being kind and loving toward everyone.
If I make a decision each day to be caring toward others, kind to others and loving toward others, I can fill my little corner of the world with LOVE and an experience of LOVE. This seems to be so simple. The truth is that it is simple to be loving and kind. But this simplicity of bringing LOVE AND KINDNESS to others will happen if I focus on the present moment. I will then slow down and focus on LOVE and how to be more loving. Being kind and loving is a decision that I need to make in each moment. I then experience inner freedom and a quiet joy.
When I make decisions to be kind and loving toward whomever is in my presence, amazing and uplifting feelings fill my heart and mind. This last week of the year brings so many uplifting blessings to me and whomever is in my presence.
Life is meant to be simple. And it is really quite simple to be caring, kind and loving. This last week of the year is such an inspiration and reminder to be loving and kind. The secret of a happy life is to make this last week of the year with all its goodness and love to remain permanent in our lives throughout the year. And, yes, it is possible. And it can start right now in this present moment in my thoughts and actions. Where Love is present, Joy is present. Have a loving last week of the year and have it continue for you throughout the whole year. The world changes through LOVE. People change through LOVE. I will change for the better, the more loving I am toward others. I must keep my life simple by always investing in being loving, kind and caring.
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Fred Cavaiani is a licensed marriage & family therapist and limited licensed psychologist with a private practice in Troy. He is the founder of Marriage Growth Center. He conducts numerous programs for groups throughout Michigan. Cavaiani is associate editor and contributing writer for Human Development Magazine. His column in the Legal News runs every other Tuesday. He can be reached at 248-362-3340. His e-mail address is: Fredcavi@yahoo.com and his website is FredsCounselorsCorner.com.
