What you really want cannot be bought

During December I found this image/quote online yet did not find the time to post it.  Wanted to share it today because there were literally only three things on my Christmas "list to Santa" this year: vaseline or plain chapstick; a new set of sheets for my bed; to spend more time with people (especially family) whom I love.

I think as you grow older your Christmas list gets smaller
and the things you really want for the holidays can't be bought

Overall I have been blessed and quite lucky to have gotten nearly everything I wanted this past Christmas -- this past year included special events (wedding, baptism, birthdays, etc) with both sides of my family tree as well as various family friends!!  However my sister C and her son ("our" grandson, godson, nephew) Baby K have not slept in their beds here since the night before Thanksgiving.  In a way it is helping remind me that people make their own choices and if I talk about rights -- well, it is not my "right" to see my nephew.  Perhaps this separation is necessary (although only God knows what the future holds/why things occur) and hopefully it will serve as the longest period of time we shall all have to spend cut off ... disconnected ... apart ... Eventually I believe (I hope) we can all appreciate and enjoy spending time together -- life is too short as it is.  Thankfully I am no longer mad, I am more hurt/disappointed.  Better for health, yes? Also with certain "free time" I have forced myself to return to cleaning and sorting/donating which is a bonus

Life Is Not Always Perfect

"You need to see that life is not always perfect. We will not always get what we want. And though it hurts a lot, what should've happened, happened. Who should've left, left, and whatever's thrown you off course will always bring you to where it is you need to be." (Unknown author; image found online)

With a new year many people, myself included, often take a closer look at what has passed and at what is to come.  I know I tend to blame myself even when things are not my fault -- this quote reminds me that I am not responsible (at least not always!) for where I am in life.  Other people make decisions that can help me or hurt me -- I am the only one who can decide how others/their choices will change (or not change) my life.  This second quote/image was also found online and it is another good reminder:

"Forgive others, not because they deserve forgiveness, but because you deserve peace." (again, unknown author)... Life should not be a constant string of stressful moments, nor is it to be perfect. The ups and downs of life help remind us that we are to have faith and let go... Am hopeful that this new year I can face both the ups and the downs with more grace than I have previously