When I woke up on Christmas morning to our first big snow fall it was like a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t wait to get outside.
As I walked through the snow, big white snowflakes landing on me, it brought me so much comfort and joy. It’s just what my soul needed.
For those of us celebrating Christmas, it was undeniably different this year. After what’s been a really hard year for so many, and restrictions over the holidays may have felt disappointing.
Listen, Christmas can be challenging at the best of times! But this year was fraught with added constraints.
We can recognize it’s for the greater good and still acknowledge it can be tough to miss out on the comforts and traditions we’re accustomed to enjoying this time of year.
And amidst it all, it is still possible to be open to moments of peace, joy and happiness.
I want to share something I did that brought me a lot of comfort and joy.
The idea came unexpectedly, as they usually do, and turned into something truly beautiful, all to do with my grandmother’s doll.
Let me first share a bit about my grandma. She was an incredible woman.
Annie was born in Prince Edward Island. She had 15 children, my mom being the oldest, and she also had foster children. I know, right?
My grandma was deeply spiritual. She had a strength and peace about her, and I loved being in her presence.
She loved to sing and dance and as I was going through old photos, I found a picture of her playing her harmonica in her kitchen. She really rocked!
My grandmother loved dolls. On her 80th birthday our family gave her a doll as a gift. I still remember the look on her face when she opened the box. She had tears in her eyes and the innocence of a child as she held her new doll.
When my grandmother passed away in 1998, I was given her doll which meant so much to me.
Now over 20 years later, I felt inspired to pass the doll on to my great-niece Maya. To keep the memory of my grandma alive, and let this precious doll continue to spread more love and joy.
The one glitch was, she needed a new dress. Hers was pretty worn out, and sewing is not my forte.
So, I reached out to my friend Chris, who is an incredible seamstress, and she happily agreed to sewing the dolly a new pink outfit. (Maya's favourite colour) She went above and beyond. It was made with so much love.
I created a book with photos that told the story of my grandma and her doll so Maya would know more about her great-great grandmother (who was indeed really great!).
A lot of grace and joy showed up in this process. I’m quite sure my grandma was pulling some strings from above.
I intended to give the doll to Maya on Christmas Day, but as we know plans changed, and that’s okay. She will get it soon enough.
What brought me comfort and joy was going back to my roots, connecting with my grandma, and giving something special to my niece who herself is so special.
This got me thinking, what would it feel like if we made the choice to do more things that inspired us, brought us comfort, peace, and joy?
I don’t know about you, but I’m not going to wait for the world to change to feel connected, inspired, and passionate. Life’s too short.
Diane, January is a New Year with new possibilities.
I’m ready for more passion and joy. How about you?
If you too want to connect, gain inspiration, and re-ignite purpose, join me for my next course, Return to Self, a transformative 8-week journey that starts on January 18th.
And if you would prefer a 1:1 approach, my private coaching program called Transform Your Life might be the perfect fit for you and a perfect start for 2021.
Contact me today to book your free consult.
Be well friends. And may the new year bring us all the joy, peace and intentions we desire.
Best,
Diane