The Promise Of A Naked Tree.

It’s December 1st. 
 
Pie and turkey leftovers are still renting space in the fridge. Tablecloths are in the wash being rinsed of their food stains while the newest memories made join the fabric's collection of stories. Perhaps, if you’re like me, the tree is up and naked. 
 
We put the tree up with intention to fill it last night, but life happened. 
 
Good life happened. 
 
One daughter missed her friends and wanted to go to a friend’s house so we agreed we’d decorate together later and that the home crew would get started. The rest of us decided we would turn on a Christmas movie while eating dinner. We became so present and connected to the movie that we didn’t want to get up and decorate. 
 
I found myself basking in the presence of together time, enjoying this festive movie that was setting the tone for the season. When the movie was over, my daughter wanted to bake some cookies. So we laughed and giggled, took baking selfies by her request and enjoyed the fruits of our labor.

We all had a perfect night. 
 
But it got me thinking this morning as I stare at the naked tree in front of me that is filled with so much promise.

The naked tree is full of so much promise, hope, anticipation...and expectation. 

We can allow what is this holiday season and find great joy or we can hold onto the image of expectation in our mind about what we “think” is supposed to be and be faced with struggle and disappointment. 
 
Images are powerful. 
 
And there are two parts to this whole holiday image concept. The first is what I have described above. Holding onto the image so intently that you miss the beauty of what is.

I recommend you let go of that image.

Allow each present moment to bless you and let go of the “it must be this way.” Recognize that you are not the same person you were last year and especially not the same person you were when you were a child. If the child in you finds joy in what you’re doing, wonderful! But if it’s an expectation that it “must be this way,” let it go and be filled with the new.
 
However, there is an image I encourage you to create. 

This image is about bringing in the best holiday you’ve ever experienced with the image you hold in your mind. 
 
Talk about believing. What you believe will happen, will happen.
 
As you prepare for your festivities and parties, cookies and fun, hold the best image you can for the experience you’d like to enjoy. 

You will bring in what you feel and what you focus on.
 
Feel the joy you will experience with your family and friends at upcoming events. Know you are worthy of experiencing this level of joy at the holidays, and every day.

Allow this image to permeate your heart. 
 
But here is the key...when that moment arrives,

allow presence to be your greatest present.

Let go of the image and be with what you manifested because as we let go, it turns into something even greater than what you had held in your mind.  
 
Enjoy your naked tree. Be filled. Allow the joy of the moment to take you away. Allow the powerful images in your mind to bring in not just promises, but the greatest joy you've ever experienced this holiday season. 

Beginning THIS TUESDAY!! I can't wait to celebrate the holidays with you at Love.Heal.Thrive.'s holiday party, December 3rd 7pm-9pm. It's going to be a wonderful night! 


Much love,
Erin