Joan, That is absolutely lovely!  I will always be reminded of the words now "Living Deliberately."

Hi Joan -- I can't believe we are almost at the end of another year! What a journey it has been.  This is a lovely post -- I like the idea of living deliberately  -- After my husband has returned after being gone the better part of the last 3 years -- I am finding it is more inmportant than ever to live deliberately. I find the challenge for myself is to find balance! 

Carole...I don't know if it has to do with getting older? But I used to structure everything around making things perfect for everyone...what I got was a miserable me and as a result...a miserable everyone else!

Now I choose

Joan...this will truly be a special holiday season for you...I am so happy for you!

Joan,  This post put me in the spirit of Thanksgiving (all over again since ours is already passed) and Christmas....wonderfully written and beautiful insights. I'm so glad you'll have your pjs all morning and coffee and cake and your bacon.....

The snowy scene is lovely.... 

((-:

Jo 

Hi Joan, that was beautiful!  I miss the days of having a lot of family around, but I do enjoy these days of just my husband and myself.

Joan~Joni~ 

THANK you for the sentiments, advice and graphics...Each time I read one of your posts, I gain perspective. The world gets a little bigger and a little smaller...both...

...pajamas all morning, coffee cake, bacon and java! That's how I like it!  Gold Star time, Joan.
Mike in Tucson

Thanks Jo...I'm glad you could relate...but that doesn't surprise me!

Mary...thanks for the comments...perhaps the peaceful times are a reward for the chaos from before?

janeAnne..what a beautiful thing to say...thank you so much

Hi Mike...hey you're welcome anytime! Come on over!!

Awww...I loved everything from living deliberately to the pajamas all morning. I picture you with the full length pajamas with the feetie things attached :)  You sure pass on a wonderful message here Joni and it will be remembered as well as inspiring for those who need a positive attitude each and every day of their lives...and look back....with no regrets....

Good luck!

Here I am again, following a wonderful person that knows from where her footies are,lol. I can only say "Ditto". How I love Christmas morning! The sounds and sights can motivate me a whole year. I hope everyone will share in the love and grace of this special time.  A wonderful and and inspiring post Joni!

Hi Joan,
"Living deliberately" now that is a term that you might should trademark, I love it and what it implies.  If the gathering is all about the food and gifts, it will end quickly once the food is eaten and the gifts opened but when it is about fellowship with each other, people will linger.  Great entry, Joan.

Joan, thanks for entering the Holiday Balance.  I'm busy reading all the entries.  Just wanted to let you know that I stopped by.  After we finish the judging, I'll make more extensive comments.

Joan, while I love the peaceful aspect of holidays (and aspire to that someday) my recollections involve all of us seated at the table (my sister and I were usually in a battle) with all of the side dishes on the table.  It would be at that point that my mother would go get the turkey...which was still raw, because she forgot to turn the oven on...nonetheless, I'll be visiting my sister this year, thankful that we are now VERY close!  Your graphics are amazing- thanks for the inspiration to have a "normal" holiday (we'll see...)  :)

Thanks Sally..I think we get to a point in life that we have to decide wether we do what others expect of us....or what we know is best for us.

I now choose the latter. And you're right, it's with no regrets!

Thank you William...if there is a little kid in any of us....Christmas morning is when it's bound to come out!

Cynthia....thank you for "getting it". You have a point about that phrase...it's not mine originally, it was said by Thoreau...but I don't think he'll care? I do like it!

Hi Brian...Just remember all the nice things I've said about you!

Laurie...it all comes with time!....we wear out!

Miss Joan --

Hardiest congratulations!  You totally "get it," where most don't.

Your friend,

Billycherry

Hi Billl...Thanks for coming over it's good to see you!

Yup...I do get it now...it sure took me long enough!

Joan-you said in one of the comments " I think we get to a point in life that we have to decide whether we do what others expect of us....or what we know is best for us."

With this type of philosophy there are no regrets.......life is how we make it, and we choose how we want to share the gifts we have received.....enjoy your Holidays Joan, comfortably :)

Good job explaining how to enjoy life.  I'm caught up with the family on every occasion so I'd probably take them with me to enjoy new traditions.  Happy Holidays

Hello Kathy...it took me a long time to get to that conclusion. I've always been a pleaser. I just had to decide who I really wanted to please. Thanks for those kind words Kathy! You enjoy your holidays too...we may all be having "leaner" celebrations this year....but the Spirit is willing!

Lori...I think it is wonderful that you feel that way...enjoy your family holidays!

Joan- Yes, I think some of us are having leaner times.....but to tell you the Truth I remember every single Holiday when times were tough, but cannot remember all the ones where we had plenty......maybe it's because I was forced to appreciate what we had, and not concentrate on what we didn't.

Hi Joan - this has been a year of change for many of us, to be sure.

I really enjoyed your post.  I love your words, "Living Deliberately", "The Spirit is within", "...there will still be pajamas all morning, coffee cake, bacon and java!"  I love those phrases you used, and I can just see the last one - love special mornings like that.

We, too, will raising a glass to some who have gone.......

Love your post!
Ann

Joan, thanks again for your support of the Holiday Balance contest.  We received so many wonderful entries, including yours.  I really liked the organization of your post into past, present and future.  You reflect on the past, understand the present, and hope for the future.  I can tell that you've got a healthy exuberance for life and living life to its fullest.  Thanks for sharing your personal story.

You know Kathy until you said it I hadn't really thought about the fact that I can't remember the times there was a lot of "stuff" either. I mostly remember...things that happened!

Thank you Ann...I am sorry that you also exprienced loss. It seems especially painful at the holidays. Your kind comments are appreciated.

Thank you for your insights Brian...this contest was truly freeing for me. Iusually to a newsletter for family and friends at Christmas. This year was a challenge because of all that has happened that was just plain depressing....now I'm going to copy this! and send it out!

Joan, I enjoyed your beautifully written and reflective post.  Thank you.

Happy Thanksgiving Gary...thank you for reading and your kind words!