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Monday, December 12, 2011

monday motivation - find the joy

















This has to be one of my all time favorite illustrations I did years ago.  It does reflect so many wonderful traditions of the joys of the holidays, stockings hung by the chimney with care, gifts wrapped, christmas potpourri out, garland on the mantle, tree lit and decorated, amaryllis blooming, snowing, holiday music playing and sitting back to enjoy a moment of calm with some hot mulled cider or egg nog.

While we may strive for "old school" holiday perfection, it really is not about that.  Are you still stressing over the holiday photo, cards to send, the list of gifts to buy, make or wrap, the meals to prepare, and all of the other life's chores?  Let this be a reminder to stop and to find the joy.

Part of my monday motivation is to give a shout out of encouragement to each of you to take time to find the holiday spirit and really embrace the joy of the season.  Years past, I seemed to stress so many details and this year I find myself enjoying things more and more.  Perhaps because in a blip it will all be over.
Take a moment today to stop, to meditate, to breathe and to know that there is a reason for this season.

Promise me that you will take time today to find the joy and share the spirit of this holiday season.  Are you taking time to find the joy and savor every moment of this magical spirited month?  Share a moment of joy with someone you love.  How are you making room in your heart for finding joy?
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24 comments:

  1. The Buzz BlogDecember 12, 2011 at 6:27 AM

    Thanks for the reminder - with less than two weeks less panic has set in. I'm taking a moment today to attend my youngest holiday chorus concert and will humming along with the kids!
    xxoo

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  2. The enchanted homeDecember 12, 2011 at 6:40 AM

    I think I was meant to read this post RIGHT NOW. Because yes I am feeling VERY stressed, got my Christmas cards but still have not taken a SINGLE picture of my boys and for the time ever thought this morning "well maybe I just won't send out cards this year' huh...me? The one who lives, eats and breaths Christmas!
    So per your request, I am going to take a little "me time" this morning to regroup, make yet another list and try to prioritize and only do whats really important. So true that we need to slow down enough to savor the joy and magic of the season.

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  3. Acquired ObjectsDecember 12, 2011 at 7:36 AM

    I have followed your advice for years I think it comes with age. You stop all the rushing to enjoy. Doesn't matter if everything is perfect or not people will still enjoy the holiday. Wonderful painting you did.

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  4. Formerly known as FrauDecember 12, 2011 at 7:49 AM

    Yes I'm listening to you and probably having one of the best holiday season so far. And loving every minute of the joy and togetherness of my family.
    Happy Monday!

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  5. pve designDecember 12, 2011 at 8:27 AM

    Carolyn (buzz)
    Tina,
    Debra,
    Frau,
    Wow, I am so impressed that you all are listening to little ole pve!
    I think the two naps that I had this weekend helped me to realize that when I woke up, I was better able to smile, to find the joy and to conquer my "to do" list.

    "monday....motivation" mojo - i am smiling...sun is shining and i am full of JOY!

    pve

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  6. the gardener's cottageDecember 12, 2011 at 8:51 AM

    we truly are entering the crazy zone now, arent' we? i promise to slow down and find as much beauty as i can today. thanks for the reminder. xo janet

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  7. Moments and ImpressionsDecember 12, 2011 at 9:08 AM

    Great reminder, especially as I am frantically addressing Christmas cards to beat the postman.

    Love the little puppy peeking back at us. This is a great Christmas illustration. So timeless.

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  8. quintessenceDecember 12, 2011 at 9:12 AM

    What a wonderful initiative!! I will most definitely try! And I just love your beautiful illustration!!

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  9. NatalieDecember 12, 2011 at 9:40 AM

    Wonderful reminder and gorgeous illustration. This might be my first year to not send out Christmas cards either, but instead of letting my "should be"'s stress me out, I'm going to be sitting at home snuggling my newborn and older two babies...and focus on all the love instead of the commercialism! (and keeping honest I'm typing this out to continue reminding myself!!) :)

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  10. I Dream OfDecember 12, 2011 at 9:57 AM

    Your charming illustration makes me joyful. Thanks for the reminder about what's important! I've been meditating on the idea that the added tasks are a blessing - there would be no cards to send or gifts to buy if we weren't blessed with friends and love ones to share the season with. That and staying away from malls goes a long way toward keeping the holiday crazys at bay.

    Merry Monday, Patricia! Have a joyful week!

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  11. CherylDecember 12, 2011 at 11:17 AM

    Patricia,
    Such a lovely painting. I am taking one moment at a time. Enjoying the blessings I have. No cards this year, but I know that we will all be well.

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  12. 24 CornersDecember 12, 2011 at 12:34 PM

    Thank you Patricia...today actually marks the start of getting ready for Christmas for me, and after reading your post and seeing your beautiful illustration, I'm going to focus on balancing all the tasks ahead with what your lovely painting portrays...Christmas warmth, love, and yes, joy...I wish I could just pop into it like one of Bert's chalk sidewalk paintings in Mary Poppins.
    Off to turn the Christmas music on, decorate the tree, make lists, and, write cards...all while remembering to breath & smile!
    xo J~

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  13. UnknownDecember 12, 2011 at 6:31 PM

    Such a great reminder. I've been fighting a cold this week (usually happens this time every year when stress rears its ugly head) and need to slow things down!

    I love that illustration and I think most of us are rushing through the holiday tasks so that we can eventually sit by the fire and relax. Well, that's my goal anyway!!!

    merry Monday!
    xoxo Elizabeth

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  14. KarenaDecember 12, 2011 at 7:06 PM

    Patricia no matter what it seems most of us need a reminder like this. Your illustration is perfect!

    Please come and enter My 12 Days of Holiday Giveaways! You will love the unique gifts that have been added!

    Xoxo
    Karena

    Art by Karena

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  15. Acanthus and AcornDecember 12, 2011 at 7:09 PM

    Shut everything off for several hours today (except the Christmas music) and wrapped gifts, that was so theraputic!

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  16. JoyceDecember 12, 2011 at 8:06 PM

    I love this one too! Listening to Christmas music helps to put me in a slower pace. Once I get through my nephew's party things will be slow since shopping is done just warp work on cards xo

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  17. Gwen DriscollDecember 12, 2011 at 10:34 PM

    Breathing deeply when anxiety sets in! Thanks for the encouragement.

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  18. designchicDecember 12, 2011 at 10:50 PM

    What a beautiful way to start my week...adore the illustration and thanks for the reminder to enjoy the season!!

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  19. Reggie DarlingDecember 13, 2011 at 12:04 AM

    A well-thought and timely post. This year I've allowed myself permission to rein it in versus years past. I agree--the most important thing to focus on this season is to stop and cherish those we love. And, by the way, that is a delightful illustration. Thank you!

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  20. Summer is a VerbDecember 14, 2011 at 8:13 AM

    Do you know that one of your J. MacL illustrations made the Preppy book?! The BFF brought it for me as a hostess gift this weekend and I yelped for you when I saw it! But, alas, no PVE credit given. I combed the index. Nada. Rat finks :(

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  21. A Daughter of the KingDecember 14, 2011 at 2:08 PM

    "Take a moment today to stop, to meditate, to breathe and to know that there is a reason for this season." Thanks for this reminder...will do!

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  22. A Daughter of the KingDecember 14, 2011 at 2:10 PM

    "Take a moment today to stop, to meditate, to breathe and to know that there is a reason for this season." Thanks for this reminder...will do!

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  23. red tickingDecember 16, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    you know i ADORE this... and where is that amazing amaryllis?????? xoxo

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  24. red tickingDecember 16, 2011 at 12:25 AM

    you know i ADORE this... and where is that amazing amaryllis?????? xoxo

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