The Holiday List

As our Be Present Project comes to an end, I am reminded what this month has brought. It began as an idea.

Here was my holiday inspiration. ⤵️

Could I complete the list? 
Could I expand on the list?
Number one on the list was easy to do because I didn't need to spend any money. I just needed to be present. 

I once read, "If you are always racing to the moments what happens to the moment you are in?"

Present meant focusing in on what was important at that moment, setting aside the technology, and no mom multitasking!
Just enjoy the moment for what it was. Great joy can be found in the day-to-day actions and it's those moments that create the story of our lives. Some days I do not think about that enough.

I'll admit, I had to be reminded a couple of times to be present....
"Mom, get off your phone I need you to be present."

If you're going to talk the talk walk the walk.

So check it off.
1. Be present ✔️

2. Wrap someone in a hug ✔️
This was an easy one. Everyone needs hugs:)

Number three, send peace.

Hmm.....what exactly did that look like?
Being at peace felt like knowing your family was taken care of, so how could we as a family take care of others? 
First, it was a donation to a local charity. We  fitted 120 pairs of winter boots to families in our great city. 

http://projectechowinnipeg.com/

Second, going through closets and donating boots and coats and gently used clothing items directly to people in need. We found a group here in Winnipeg that is so thankful for those items because many people are coming to our city from far-off lands ill-equipped to handle a Manitoba winter.

Mosaic Newcomer Family Resource Network. 
http://www.mosaicnet.ca

3. Send peace✔️

Number four was donate food. 

I needed a face. A real live person to receive. I found him. He name was Ron. You can find him most days at the corner of Meadowood and Dakota. He is always thankful. 

The end of the month was Christmas hamper delivery time. 
With a carload of kids we made our way across town.

With no where to park, we stopped right in the middle of the unplowed street. 

We trudged through knee high snow to get to the side door to make our delivery.

We got yelled at for blocking the street.

It's amazing how people change their attitude towards you when you walk right up to their window and tell them you are just spreading Christmas cheer to those who need it :)

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Number five, make love. 
Um, okay ;)
Don't wait till the holiday season for this. 

5. Make love ✔️

Number six, be the light.
Well, what does that mean? 

I took it to mean me. Be the light. For myself and my family and for those I come in contact. Appreciate every day we are given.

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As 2016 fast approaches, what changes will you make for yourself and those around you?

#bepresentfordecember