Dear subscribers,

I wish you a holiday season filled with peace, joy and love.  Now that most of the gift giving is over, my wish for you is that you will use gratitude to keep you in that joy-filled state.  Pre-Christmas is often a flurry of shopping, wrapping and baking.

Now the hard part is over.  Next comes being with family and friends and really being grateful for who they are, who family is and isn't and who you are.

If Christmas Eve and Christmas Day came and went very fast, sit down and think of all you're greatful for.  Are you happy that you had someone to share these days with?  Who laughed, was happy with their gifts, or who just spread their love and warmth with ease?

Much has been said this month about planning for 2010 and I understand that, but what about 2009?  It's not over yet.  How can you make it the greatest end of the year ever?  Be present, no matter what.  Really be with the people you're around.  Be grateful for who they are, look into their eyes, tell them something you appreciate about them.

What about you and your life?  Look at your life and what you've lived this year.  What are you greatful for, where have you made strides.  Really appreciate yourself for all you've done and all you came through.  Often, we don't give ourselves credit for the big things and for all the little things we do for ourselves.  We do things for ourselves every day.  Give yourself credit for that.  Who have you made new friends with, deepened other friendships with?

Spend time every day just being thankful for your life, your family, your friends, and your possessions.  You and the Divine have done all of that.  Take credit for it.  Spend time in meditation so your mind can slow down and you can hear the God thoughts.

Still have too much to do?  Put these things on your God to-do list and go out and socialize and have fun?

Me, I'm grateful for all the new people in my life this year.  People like you and people who became new friends this year are amazing to me.

I'm wishing for you the most incredible last 6 days of the year.  Celebrate your life!

Blessings and Gratitude,

Pat Thorpe