Keep Calm…
So, is everyone growing tired of the “Keep Calm & Carry On” rip offs? I guess I’ll admit that I am just about over it, but I saw this & thought - “one last time!”
Yesterday, I made a last minute trip to Whole Foods to pick up the vegan essentials for a few holiday recipes - daiya cheddar shreds, FYH mozzarella, tempeh bacon, vegan pie crust, & coconut spread. WHAT. A. NIGHTMARE. Traffic jam, full parking lot, horns blaring, people shouting. I felt my blood pressure rise & quickly began to recite a meditation mantra: ”I am breathing in, I know that I am breathing in. I am breathing out, I know that I am breathing out.” Thank you, Thich Nat Hahn. I made it into the lot, braved the crowds through the aisles, found everything I needed with the help of a very kind associate, & I got the heck out of there without melting down, cursing anyone out, or cutting anyone off.
Later in the evening, while at a party, I was speaking to a friend about the mad frenzy the holidays seem to create. What happened the “holiday cheer,” we wondered? What has happened to Christmas? Having worked in retail for nearly 15 years & dealing with the worst of it all, I can certainly tell you, in the words of The Grinch:
“Maybe Christmas doesn’t come from a store. Maybe Christmas… perhaps…means a little bit more.”
Whatever Christmas means to you…just keep this in mind - your greatest gift to those who love you is your presence. So what is all the stress about? Enjoy each other, keep calm, spread cheer, be grateful, say thank you, wait your turn, be patient, let in that driver who’s trying to get over, smile, be mindful, don’t steal parking spots, stop honking, slow down, be kind, show compassion, take a moment, breathe…
Happy Holidays!
