Santa has come and gone and winter weather has been scared away by the Heat Miser (aka. Humidity Miser). Although the weather made me wonder if it really is December, this year's Christmas celebrations were ones in which the memories will never fade. It is such a blessing to be unconditionally loved by such beautiful souls; the world may be infected with sin, but these souls inspire me to live a pure life, these wonderful souls are my inspiration to be more like Him; they are truly God's hands and feet and help guide me down the right path of my life's journey. Each soul brings such a unique necessity to my life, which, for each, my soul sings a song of thankfulness. I am thankful for the joyous Christmas season because of the family time being spent with some of the most influential people in my life.
During Christmas Eve dinner, I was blessed with a heart-to-heart conversation with my eldest cousin in which I was encouraged and all the more enabled to realize that an emotionally traumatic event which, for me, had unexpectedly occurred over this past year was nothing less than a blessing given to me by God at the most perfect time. It is reassuring to be able to hold a conversation with someone who can see the personal progress you have made by comparing your old self to your new self. I am so thankful for the new person I have become through this past years' experiences, knowing my personal progress is not done yet.
Why does the most joyous season of the year have to sprint by so fast? And this is why, faithful readers, my celebration of Christmas begins in October. Sugar cookies and peppermint flavored coffee and chocolate and being surrounded by family and wrapped gifts and smelling the lit candles and dinner cooking. . . they are such wonderful memories which make my heart happy and help me carry on. Yes, I sometimes have a bad attitude and get irritated by the ones I love, but this week more so than in a long time have I realized that these souls close to my heart must be cherished and treasured; I need to take advantage of the time I have to spend with such beauties because nothing is a guarantee.
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How to survive winter break as told by a nursing student (PLOG):
1. Go to The Fresh Market as often as possible why? because it is a store filled with good vibes, coffee, and expensive unhealthy food (which is an encouragement to NOT buy the unhealthy food) - and make sure to bring your $5 off $25 coupon and buy enough to get that $5 off. While you are there, make sure you pick up the necessities: Butterscotch Caramel Coffee, Coconut Almond Milk, relatively healthy hot chocolate, and your second dose of Peppermint Creme Coffee.
2. Make DIY Wooden Spoons as a Christmas present for both your Bocia and your Oma. The freshly burned wooden spoon smell is better than a cedar wood scented candle and will have you wishing you had a fire pit in your backyard. On top of it, at the end of this DIY project, you will have beautifully designed kitchen spoons which only costed $5 (Walmart Wooden Spoons). . the amount of money you saved at The Fresh Market!
3. Buy matching reindeer Christmas dresses with your sister and take a bunch of selfies. What is wrong with selfies anyways? You know they get a bad reputation, but they can capture some of the greatest moments, especially when my sister is beside me. Although my aunt continually called us 'Rudolph,' I enjoyed matching with Alexandra in these cute and cheap dresses purchased online through a 'Chinese company.' I was so afraid we wouldn't get our dresses in time, but we did. You can make fun of us all you want, but you know we look good in these red and green reindeer Christmas dresses.
4. Never stop believing. Never stop believing in the little things and love the people who help you believe as much as possible. Life is seriously a gift and living every day as if it is your last is essential in delivering unconditional love and respect.
5. Always be true to yourself. If that means spreading Christmas cheer by singing loud for all to hear, by all means, do so; if it means always getting in the way of the camera and posing, by all means, do so. Humor can make someones day and is a bright star in many people's life. It is wonderful to make people laugh and smile and to let them know you care about them so.
6. Bask in the presence of family and unconditional love. There are so many humbugs out there, so many grinches who will discourage you or try to bring you down. I am so thankful for my family and those close friends whom I can call family who help me to believe in myself - to help me remember that I am stronger and smarter than I think.
"Thank you for caring about me so much." No, seriously thank you for loving me so unconditionally. You inspire me to be a better person and love more purely. You are a blessing sent from God and I love you so.
7. Stay healthy during break - harder than you may think. Drink more water and eat less food. I mean, its the holidays, so by default you are already going to eat way too much. Focus on drinking that next glass of water instead of eating that next pile of cookies which just so happens to have jumped onto your plate. Splurge a little, but don't make it your nervous habit which may or may not carry you through the rest of nursing school.
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I will be seeing you next week back here. Please pray for my family and good health as the next few days progress. Your prayers are appreciated.
"Thanks for caring so much."