This time of year energies seem to run a little higher. People move faster; hurried and harried. The buzz of the holidays (both good and bad) is palpable. I feel it. You can't not feel it.

With all that, I  do know that even though I am slightly overwhelmed, tired, and perhaps a tad anxious that I have control over how I choose to live my daily life. And amidst more to-dos than there are hours in the day, I will walk slower, breathe deeper and talk myself off the ledge if I need to. I'll sip tea, gaze at the glowing Christmas tree and embrace my loved ones. I'll drive cautiously, smile more,  take time to chat with strangers, and send extra love with my holiday cards. I'll use my camera to hold still the moments of the season (if only for a brief pause) and I'll share what I've seen here as my meditation into Christmas and as a way to begin paving my path for a bright and beautiful new year.

I hope you consider taking the next few weeks to do the same. No matter how much pressure we are feeling, we can choose to feel just as much peace, if only in our own hearts and minds. It won't alwasy be easy but let's take it day by day. Hour by hour. Together.