A Year for Self Indulgence of the Spirit

10...9...8...7..6..5..4..3..2..1..HAPPY NEW YEAR!

That's about how exciting it was for me too this year. As usual I was the designated driver talked into joining in a human dance train which paraded around a neighbors house. I figured it was foolish but harmless until the engine swung her hip into the bar set up and sent a lovely pyramid of crystal glasses flying across the room.

I felt bad for the hostess who worked so hard to make everything so beautiful and disappointed in the guests who ate and drank and had complete disregard for her home or her belongings.

I saw many people feeding their stomachs and pickling their minds instead of feeding their souls. And as all waited in great anticipation for the New Year to come, some of the reactions caught me off guard. Some shed tears of sadness for loved ones lost. Other showed relief..no doubt of making it through another year. and…..others looked upon it as a socially acceptable way of steeling affection from as many people in one evening as possible. It was an odd evening to say the least.

September 11th changed us all.

I don't know about you but this year Christmas was a little different too. It was a
"one for you", "one for me" kind of Christmas. If I saw something that lifted my spirits in some way I bought it. Deep down I felt that if I came back it might be gone or even worse if I waited until tomorrow I might not be around to enjoy it. And although I made my donations of food and clothing, money time to charities I also did my share fair share of self-spending which was a first for me at Christmas.

I'm feeling a little guilty now but at the time I was on a roll. I couldn't live without the striped gap hat and mittens, beaded scarf and snowflake socks I bought. I dreamed about the complimentary hand message I experienced at "Origins" and the Ginger Scrub and Soufflé gift set with my name on it. And just when I thought my "soulful" shopping had been satisfied I added more things to my Christmas list like a digital camera, herbal soaps, candles and yes….off the track but something to satisfy the "Martha Stuart" in me ……a bread maker, mini food processor and brulee torch. "Live for today baby," said the little voice in my head…"because as you know there may not be a tomorrow."

It was all exasperating really…..gross guiltless "soulful" self- indulgence can tire a girl out.

Back on a Soulful Path

Well..now it's over. The endless eating, spending and social commitments are behind me and I am happy to have some peaceful hours ahead to do nothing. Clear the mind…take a walk…think about tea. I'll appreciate the simple things again like crisp cold winter days and warm, cozy sleepy nights. I'll re-discover the underestimated value of good health. I'll pray again for the things I have and stop making lists of things I don't. I'll work towards the fine balance of work and play, selfishness and selflessness. And at the end of the day I'll take a deep breath, pray for peace and sleep well knowing that any day at any given moment I'm exactly where I'm supposed to be.