ADVICE FROM THE PURPLE MOUNTAIN SAGE: CELEBRATIONS

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By Sharon Courmousis, Sacred Rocks Reserve

Increase your enjoyment of living

November 30, 2010 (Boulevard)--This is the time of year when we turn our eyes toward celebration. The thesaurus also calls celebration by the words commemoration, festivity, party, gala, observance, and remembrance. Unless a person is a true hermit, it is hard to celebrate by oneself. Some folks have few or far flung families. Some folks feel alone. Others create their own families, their own circle of friends that are like family.

 

There are many choices and being lonely is just one of them. Many would welcome a newbie into their circle, if asked. Finding the right ‘family’ to join is a matter of action. A person must get out of one’s comfort zone and meet new people. Some suggestions are groups that already meet such as a hiking group, biking group, horseback riding, photography, writing, jewelry making, knitting, or philanthropic groups like Rotary, Soroptomists, or church groups. Seeking like-minded people is a good way to find a circle of friends.

 

Remembering the peaks and valleys of the year 2010 might be an excellent strategy to set 2011 up to be the best year ever. Some of us have had a ragged year with financial challenges, or health problems, relationship stresses, kids growing up anxiety or internal tension dealing with questions about our purpose in life. If, we hold on to the anger and disappointment, harsh judgement, and fear, then these negative positions will continue to drag us down into misery. If, on the other hand, we can observe our personal history, and learn from it as well as let go of the bad feelings around people or events, then we take the lessons forward to a better life.

 

Here is an idea for celebration of the month of December. Find some pieces of paper. Cut up some 3X5 pieces or grab some index cards and two containers like bowls or shoeboxes. As you reflect upon your 2010 write a sentence on a card and label it + or – [plus or minus], liked it or loathed it, and toss into the + box or –box. As you reflect upon your experiences, think about the lesson you understood. Perhaps the event was awful, but it brought you to a change that will serve your life in a better way. A hard example is that a heart attack might cause a person to eat and exercise differently to ultimately end up with a healthier life. The heart attack was bad. The changes it brought are good.

 

At a time after Christmas but before January 1st, have your own personal ceremony of remembrance. Put on the wild dancing music, or find a cozy fireplace where you can read and feel all the minuses, choose to let them go, and let them burn. You do not need them anymore. Slow your thinking way down to slow. Appreciate this special time. Scream or dance and get it OUT of you. Then, read all the pluses. Choose to let the lessons sink into your very essence so that your 2011 actions are smarter and wiser. Consider your goals for 2011 and write them down on cards.

 

While others may be caught up in the frenzy of shopping, parties, gifts, and food, keep your own celebration thoughts in the forefront of your thinking. Enjoy the festivities, but put your own personal accent on ‘off with the old, and on with the new.’

 

And give thanks to your Creator for your life!


The Purple Mountain Sage welcomes questions from readers! Write to her at: askthepurplemountainsage@gmail.com. The Purple Mountain Sage is Sharon Courmousis, co-owner of Sacred Rocks Reserve and RV Park, a 163-acre wilderness preserve and campground in Boulevard, CA, which is also home to Sacred Rocks Artists’ Colony. She leads people on personal safaris into nature that changes lives. Sharon can be reached by calling: 619-766-4480. Visit the Sacred Rocks Reserve website at: www.sacredrocksreserve.com.
 


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