A Soldier’s Christmas by Michael Marks

The embers glowed softly,

And in their dim light,
I gazed round the room
And I cherished the sight.

My wife was asleep,

Her head on my chest,
My daughter beside me,
Angelic, in rest.

Outside the snow fell,

A blanket of white,
Transforming the yard
To a winter delight

The sparkling lights

In the tree I believe,
Completed the magic
That was Christmas Eve.

My eyelids were heavy,

My breathing was deep,
Secure and surrounded
By love I would sleep.

In perfect contentment,

Or so it would seem,
So I slumbered,
Perhaps I started to dream.

The sound wasn’t loud,

And it wasn’t too near,
But I opened my eyes
When it tickled my ear.

Perhaps just a cough,

I didn’t quite know,
Then the sure sound of footsteps
Outside in the snow.

My soul gave a tremble,

I struggled to hear,
And I crept to the door
Just to see who was near.

Standing out in the cold

And the dark of the night,
A lone figure stood
His face weary and tight.

A soldier, I puzzled,

Some twenty years old,
Perhaps a Marine,
Huddled here in the cold.

Alone in the dark,

He looked up and smiled,
Standing watch over me,
And my wife and my child.

What are you doing?

I asked without fear,
Come in this moment,
It’s freezing out here!

Put down your pack;

Brush the snow from your sleeve,
You should be at home
On a cold Christmas Eve!

For barely a moment

I saw his eyes shift,
Away from the cold
And the snow blown in drifts . . .
To the window that danced
With a warm fire’s light
Then he sighed and he said,
It’s really all right.
I’m out here by choice.
I’m here every night.

It’s my duty to stand
At the front of the line,
That separates you
From the darkest of times.

No one had to ask

or beg or implore me,
I’m proud to stand here
Like my fathers’ before me.

My Gramps died at “Pearl”

On a day in December,
Then he sighed, That’s a Christmas
Gram always remembers.

My dad stood his watch

In the jungles of Nam
And now it is my turn
And so, here I am.

I’ve not seen my own son

In more than a while,
But my wife sends me pictures;
He’s sure got her smile.

Then he bent and he carefully

Pulled from his bag
The red, white and blue . . .
An American flag.

I can live through the cold

And the being alone,
Away from my family,
My house and my home.

I can stand at my post

Through the rain and the sleet,
I can sleep in a foxhole
With little to eat.

I can carry the weight

Of killing another,
Or lay down my life
With my sister and brother.
Who stand at the front against any and all,
To ensure for all time
That this flag will not fall.

So go back inside, he said,

Harbor no fright,
Your family is waiting
And I’ll be alright.

But isn’t there something

I can do, at the least,
Give you money, I asked,
Or prepare you a feast?

It seems all too little

For all that you’ve done.
For being away
From your wife and your son.

Then his eye welled a tear

That held no regret,
Just tell us you love us,
And never forget
To fight for our rights back at home
While we’re gone,

To stand your own watch,

No matter how long.
For when we come home,
Either standing or dead,
To know you remember
We fought and we bled, is payment enough
And with that we will trust
That we mattered to you
As you mattered to us.

This poem was written by Michael Marks

Christmas is tomorrow and much credit is due to our U.S. Service men and women for our being able to celebrate all of the festivities taking place at this time of year: Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanza, the beginning of a new year, filled with promise and hope.

 

Let’s try to pay a tiny bit of what we owe. Stop, and with heartfelt gratitude, think about our heroes, living and passed, who have sacrificed themselves for all of us.

 

Intending you peace.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This Season

Research has proven positive emotions broaden your sense of possibility and open your mind up to more options.

The benefits of positive emotions don't stop after a few minutes of good feelings subside. In fact, the biggest benefit that positive emotions provide is an enhanced ability to build skills and develop resources for use later in life.

Positive emotions improve health and reduce stress and anxiety.

When you are experiencing positive emotions like joy, contentment, peace and love, you will see more possibilities in your life.

This scroll is a reminder of how you can bring in more positive emotions not just “This Season”, but throughout the year as well.

Happy Thanksgiving ! ! ! ! ! !

The United States is celebrating their holiday of Thanks – and each and every one of us has something to be grateful for indeed.

 
If you’re reading this blog – you are able to read. Some are not.

You have access to a PC – many don't.

You are breathing and alive – some were not granted another day.

To be grateful for everything in life, the blessings that make us smile as well as those that may not put a smile on our faces or in our hearts, but rather teach us, so we may grow, is to live in prayer, at peace and happy.

 

May this day of Thanksgiving bring you and yours joy, peace and love!

 

 

To All of Our Veterans

 

 

Thank You

There are currently over 20 million veterans in America. Each one has a story, has family, and friends. Each with hopes and aspirations for the future. Each put them on hold to defend the Red, White, and Blue.

Each and every one of them answered the call to defend freedom at all costs to benefit something larger than themselves; the greater good of the United States of America.

We salute all of our veterans: past, present, old, young, for your quiet courage and exemplary service-- we are grateful and acknowledge your many sacrifices and accomplishments.

On this Veteran’s Day, and as we start the season of thanks, and giving, remember it is due to their sacrifices that we all enjoy our freedom.

Gratitude is beneficial

to both the one giving

and the one receiving

Meaningful Holiday Gifts from Tristan Publishing

 What a GREAT show we had on Energy Awareness Radio last night! If you're looking for the perfect gift, you'll find all you need to complete your holiday shopping list. Go to www.blogtalkradio.com/energyawareness to listen to the show.

 

I think most of us are fully aware that the holidays are right around the corner so we here at Energy Awareness Radio wanted to provide a show that would help you with your holiday shopping list. A gift that is beautiful to look at, could be displayed in your home and from which you would continually receive benefit.

We discuss a different book each and every week on Energy Awareness Radio. This week, we discussed so many books with Sheila and Brett Waldman, owners of Tristan Publishing, and each book has a beautiful message and each message will trigger memories, make you laugh or cry and make your heart smile BIG!!!!!

I met Sheila at the Book Expo America in New York City this past May. The display of books in the Tristan Publishing booth was incredible. First, every book is of the highest quality and you could absolutely see and feel that rom a distance. The colors are vivid and the designs are beautiful. I was completely drawn in. As I picked each book up, I was amazed by the feel of the book. They have paper jacket covers but this is not the typical paper jacket. I removed the jacket looked at the book itself - it was like going back in time. These books are made as in days gone by. I don't know what it is, I just know they feel good and each one seems to emit a positive, uplifting energy - and I hadn't opened the book yet.

 

Upon opening a few books I could see that they are short, succinct and impactful. The books are so insightful. They shift your energy so quickly because the authors have written in a way that tells a complete story that in some cases, is their story, but that the reader can resonate with very easily. I've experienced this with books before, but not so many at once.

 

From messages of hope, gaining new perspectives on life and learning how to let go to teaching life lessons for children – each book is its’ own special gift.  From my conversation with Sheila I learned about their company philosophy and I knew, right then and there these exquisite treasures needed to be shared globally. They agreed to come on-air and share all that they have with all of us.

 

Listen to the show www.blogtalkradio.com/energyawareness and you'll understand completely.

Take The Gratitude Challenge

Earlier this year I put out a Gratitude Challenge to a group I volunteer with. We’re in month 7 and the feedback has been terrific!

 So, how did we do it?

 

What is the Challenge?

 

This is a challenge where wellness is improved through the practice of gratitude. Studies have proven that when we are grateful, we are less stressed and more positive because all the happy chemicals in our bodies (dopamine, endorphin, oxytocin and serotonin) really kick in. When these chemicals are activated our immune systems are not suppressed and our bodies are able to fight off germs more easily providing less chance of contracting illness.

 

When gratitude is used in conjunction with conventional medical treatments, recovery rates increase. Studies have also revealed that people who practice gratitude heal faster and are likely to live longer!

 

How does the challenge work?

Participants will write thank you notes daily, weekly or monthly throughout the entire year. Revenue will be used to support our Scholarship Fund.

 

What is required?

All notes must be handwritten, include the words thank you and note why the recipient is being thanked. Note cards with the words thank you printed on them really should not be used as the writer then feels they don’t need to actually write the words thank you themselves. If using note cards be sure they are blank inside. Part of this challenge is to think, feel and take the time to write the note. Hand writing the notes, including handwriting the words thank you, within the body of the note, is an integral part of the process.

Post-it notes count too:

 

“Thank you, Irving. I couldn’t have completed the proposal without your help. – Eugene”

 

A thank you note need not be formal; it need only be sincere. Paper doesn’t matter; writing notes by hand helps to evoke a genuine sense of gratitude.

What is the cost?

Participants pay a one-time fee based upon their chosen challenge:

   Write                                          Total Fee

 

1 Note / Month (12 annually)           $ 10

2 Notes / Month (24 annually)         $ 20

1 Note / Week (52 annually)            $ 50

1 Note / Day (365 annually)           $100

 

Added Incentive

At the end of this challenge the name of each participant will be put into a drawing as many times as the notes in the challenge they took on required.

For instance, if someone opts for the one note a month challenge they will have 12 chances to win and if someone chooses the one note a day challenge, they will have 365 chances to win.

Prize

We are planning a “Pamper Yourself Basket” where members will donate something that will provide the winner with items of wellness and/or self-care allowing the winner to be pampered.

    Sample Thank You Notes

 

To a Neighbor:

 

Dear Cedric,

I heard about the lack of rain while I was out of town. Thank you for taking time to water my plants. It was so nice to see they were still thriving when I arrived home.

Best regards,

Priscilla

 

Short and sweet:

 Hello Irma,

I always know I can count on you. Thank you, thank you, thank you!

Cecily

 

In the Workplace:

 Horace,

Kudos to you for a job well done! The team would not have been as successful without your ideas and enthusiasm.

Claude

 

For Services Provided:

Dear Mr. Bailey,

Your customer support team is exceptional.

I was most impressed by how quickly and easily my issue was resolved. The efforts made on my behalf are greatly appreciated.

Thank you.

 Sol

 

Need ideas along the way? Here you go:

 

Monthly Themes

 

January – New Year, New Beginnings

Did someone inspire your career or introduce you to your mate? If in fact that’s a good thing, send them a note of thanks.

February – Love, Care, Appreciation

Love is in the air! Who made you feel really special for no particular reason at all? Let them know how they moved you – it will make them feel special too!

March – Think Spring – Feel Joy!

Remember a time when you weren’t filled with immeasurable joy? Who lifted your spirits? Show them you remember by writing a simple note of thanks.

 April – How Does It Get Any Better?

Life is going along as usual, then, you become the recipient of an unexpected surprise! It’s your turn to make a gesture by thanking the sender for their thoughtfulness.

May - Preparing the Groundwork

 Your new project was a bit more daunting than you anticipated, nothing was going right and you felt to give up. Who cheered you on to keep going? YAY, you did it! Thank them for motivating you to continue to completion.

 June – Lend a Helping Hand

When times were really tough, who bailed you out? There’s a thank you note that’s just waiting to be written.

July – Traveling Made Easy

Did someone come to your aid while you were on a trip? Perhaps it’s time to let them know their good deed did not go unnoticed.

August – A Moment in Time

 We’ve all been there, moving at break neck speed but getting nowhere. Who calmed you down and made things better? Take a moment now to thank them in a note.

 September – Catching Up

 Back in the groove? Not really? Have too much on your plate? Thank the person who helped you with your tasks or errands.

October – Moving Forward

 Movers, Realtors, attorneys, pets, long drive ahead, OMG – did I actually pack the kids? Now might be a good time to thank that former neighbor for keeping your little ones out of the way during such a hectic time.

November – Maintaining the Flow

Happy Holidays! Uh-oh, the outlaws are coming. Heaven help us all. Since heavenly addresses are a bit hard to come by, why not thank that butcher instead? After all, he did special order that extra large turkey you needed, and just in time too!

December – Finishing Up

OH NO, you forgot Uncle Moe? The clerk at the store felt your pain, went the extra mile, and found the perfect last minute gift that didn’t look ‘last minute’ at all. Make their holiday happier with a note of thanks from you, ‘the desperate last minute shopper’.

 

SO, maybe you can put the challenge to the test for yourself, your family, your group. You don’t need to raise money for a fund – but it is nice to celebrate at the end of the year for all the gratitude you shared and received.

Talk it up now and by the time January rolls around, you’ll be ready to go.

 LIVE GRATITUDE – GROW GRATITUDE!

 

10 Simple Steps to Improve Your Life

I know. You’ve heard it all before, right?

That’s the first step but to make things happen, we need to take action.

Actions can be small. Many small actions add up to BIG changes.

If you look back your own life, you can probably find at least one instance of this. You may not remember but there was a time when you were crawling and attempting to get up. You kept at it and one day, you were walking. That’s a HUGE change. Especially for those around you because at that point, you were able to get around very quickly – which meant more eyes needed to be on you to ensure your safety. The process is always the same. You ought not to jump into the deep end of the pool if you don’t know how to swim. It’s scary and it can be life threatening – which is indeed life changing – but not in a good way!

Starting small and seeing small results motivates us to continue and when we do, the results increase and life brings more positive things your way.

So I’m offering you a challenge – prove me wrong. Go ahead. Take one of the small changes below and incorporate it into your life for one week. BE CONSISTENT. It’s really not fair to say “I’ve proved you wrong, T” when you didn’t do your part. I’m offering the steps, you need to take the action and do them properly. It won’t work otherwise. Everything does require SOME effort.

Choose one of these items to add to your daily routine and, no, you don’t need to start on a Sunday or Monday. Start today, right now. The sooner you begin the sooner your life will change for the better. Why put that off?

1.   Before you get out of bed each morning, just say Thank You. Say it out loud. Say it with your heart, say it with full gratitude. If you say it with disgust, because you’re just not into this, or you throw your thanks out into the air, then you’re not feeling into your gratitude. Offer thanks to the Universe, Spirit, Source, Abraham, Jesus, Ra, whoever the God of your understanding happens to be. Then get out of bed and move forward in your day. When we acknowledge our gratitude, positivity flows. Get those good feelings in your heart and say THANK YOU!!!!! You got another day, not everyone is as fortunate. 

2.   Before you take a sip of coffee or bite of toast, say Thank You. Some don’t have food to eat let alone options. How lucky are we? 

3.   As you step outside of your humble abode, take in a deep breath of air. You can breathe, and you can breathe deeply. It feels so good to take in that life sustaining breath. As you breathe, say Thank You. You’re lungs are able to take in air and keep you alive. That’s not true for all. 

4.   Before you get into your vehicle, on the bus, train, plane, bicycle, ferry, or whatever mode of transportation you require to get to your job, say Thank You. Your legs got you to your mode of transportation and your choice of transportation is going to get you the rest of the way. 

5.   If you’re buying a cup of Joe, don’t just quickly, courteously, say thanks to the barista. Look them in the eye and say Thank You. It is amazing how they will respond. People don’t always give a whole lot of notice to those in service. They will be appreciative and it will carry on to the next customer and the next and the next. You never know whose day you will be making better simply because you took a second, not even a minute, a second, to look them straight in the eye and acknowledge THEM. We all like to be acknowledged, it doesn’t take much to do so.

 

 

6.   SMILE. Let the world know that you are approachable and you have confidence in YOU. Smiling takes less effort than frowning and it really does start to change the way you feel. Your brain reacts to your body language – may as well let your brain react positively. Get those happy endorphins flowing and your day will be much better than you think!

7.   Pay a compliment. Is there someone who may be just missing the mark in whatever they are attempting to accomplish? That happens. We can’t always be at the TOP of our game. Life circumstances affect all that we do. Perhaps this person needs a bit of encouragement. Tell them you know they’re working hard and putting in a great effort and thank them for that. Acknowledgements can shift our thinking, which, when we’re trying to resolve an issue or come up with an idea, can really influence the outcome of our efforts. If you don’t know anyone who fits this scenario, what about YOU? When I’m trying to figure something out and I’m not getting it right, I’m not failing. I’m just finding the ways that don’t work. Cut yourself some slack. You’re working at it and you will find the way that does work.

8.   Go for a walk. Get out in nature. Really take it in and as you do, you’ll find your heart will open, your body will relax, your creativity will start to flow and your mood will lift. Even if you’re already in a happy state, you’ll increase your endorphin levels which will prolong that state of positivity. Be aware of what you see, hear, smell, feel, and taste. You can taste the air. You can feel it on your hands and face. What is nature doing? Take notice and give thanks for all that you see, feel, hear and for being able to take time to acknowledge it all.

9.   Throughout the day, as you meet with others, over lunch or during appointments, BE with that person. You chose to allocate this time with this person for whatever reason. Now, BE with them. Listen. Enjoy the interaction. Admire their qualities, the stories they tell, the statements they make, the points they bring up. Paying attention to others is so important in building and sustaining healthy relationships. They’ll feel good, you’ll feel good – it’s a win-win.

10.               Do you have a spouse, significant other, child or pet? Hug them, at least once, every day. The human touch is so important to our life. We crave it. We need it. It’s vital to our existence. A hug, be it gentle, strong, small, big, short or long, is a sure sign, that the person hugging wants you to know they love you and you matter. When you hug someone, it’s usually returned in kind and that action releases endorphins that once again, bring about positive feelings. It’s hard to declare war on someone when you have love in your heart. As for your significant other – a 10 second kiss in the morning and again in the evening is crucial to letting that special someone know, whatever the day brought, they’re still you’re number one person. It’s also fun and playful and romantic and  . . .again, all good stuff.

 

At the end of each day, reflect back. Did you really put your best effort into ONE of the steps? Think about it . . . be honest. Re-live it and acknowledge how well you did. Give thanks when you determine that you gave it your best. Give thanks when you recognize you didn’t because you now have that knowledge, you are aware and you have the option to start anew tomorrow. 

Want to make changes faster? Each night, write down 5 things about the day for which you are truly grateful. It can be anything. The sunshine, the rain we needed, a door held open for you, the fact that you found a space quickly in a full parking lot, the unexpected check in the mail, the smell of freshly mown grass, the list is endless. Maintaining a gratitude journal is a great way to increase and quicken more positive things coming into your life.

When we give thanks at night, prior to sleeping, we get a better nights’ sleep and we wake up more rested and refreshed. Take note of how that gratitude imbues your entire being. SMILE and rest well. 

When you do ONE thing for just ONE week, you’ll see a difference in your life. If you feel to, go ahead, add more. The more you incorporate the more of a difference you will notice and the more you will find yourself in the true flow of your life.

Be Happy – Give Gratitude!