The Things We Learn!

It’s been a big month of celebrations in my home.  From school merit awards to billy cart racing, from carol concerts to speech days, from career goals to personal goals and always remember the love, good health and comforts that surround us every day.

It’s also been a month of trials, setbacks, heartache, challenges and disappointments, and it would have been all too easy to focus on those … but it’s all about CHOICE.

I choose to celebrate the good and the positive and the blessings and to learn and grow from the painful experiences, and I choose to teach my children that as well.

At the same time, I have learned so much from my children this year, especially my son, Oscar. From the day he was born at 32 weeks (eight weeks premature along with his twin brothers), Oscar has faced physical and, later, developmental challenges. In his 11 short years on this earth, he has endured therapy after the intervention, multiple medical procedures and surgeries and has often been on the receiving end of unkind, harsh words and treatment from other children who have known no better.

All the while Oscar has handled every setback, painful experience, difficulty and reminder that he is different from others with resilience, understanding, acceptance and the signature Oscar shoulder shrug and smile.

A mother shouldn't have favourites and I don’t.  But it’s fair to say that my Oscar is a special child, who has, along with his brothers, taught me so much about trust, unconditional love, forgiveness and curiosity.  It is those qualities in my children that I celebrate the most and give thanks for every day.

I know for many of you 2019 has been a wonderful year where you have achieved and accomplished so much.  I also know from the messages I receive that this past year for some has been difficult and one heck of a roller coaster.  Nothing is perfect, and as we get older we realize more and more that we don’t hold all the answers and that we are seldom in control of what happens to and around us.

But as difficult as it may be, I truly believe we must choose to look for and celebrate not only the positives, but the good in all those around us and the lessons we learn from the tough stuff.  It’s hard and it takes grace, discipline and resolve, but more than ever at this time of the year we must learn from our children and embrace the qualities that they innately possess.

I believe that the energy we close one year with and choose to see in another influences what the universe gives back to us, and helps to set our own mental, emotional and spiritual tone for the path ahead.

So with that in mind I will choose to celebrate all that is wonderful in my life, all who have enriched my life, all who have helped me to grow as a person, all who have challenged my perspectives and, more than anything, those that love, support and encourage me unconditionally. For these are the ones that we must hold close.  These people are our mirrors, our lifeline and the ones that will inspire us to remain grounded, true to our values and living our best lives.

At this time of the year I wish you all peace, joy, love and contentment.  May you enjoy new adventures, make special memories and celebrate the child like qualities we all possess.