It’s hard to believe another year is coming to a close, but here we are.
As we wrap a bow on 2022 and celebrate the winter holidays, I want to thank you. I’m grateful for the gift of having you in my world this year and so glad you’re here.
Some didn’t make it to see this season through. If you’re missing loved ones or experiencing grief, my heartfelt condolences to you.
If you are suffering from the weight of other difficulties, my heart goes out to you.
Something you may not know about me is that not only am I a master credentialed coach, but I’m also an ordained interfaith minister. And I want to share a bit with you about ministering…
Don’t worry; this isn’t a religious message…
As a coach, my job is to get you unstuck and seek solutions. I listen for an opening and encourage clients to shift their perspective.
As a minister, on the other hand, my job is to be a witness. I’m there to be fully present and hold space. This training and experience has given me insight into human suffering.
What could we do differently for those who are in pain? *
You don’t have to DO anything, you have to BE. You can’t take the pain away, but you can ease it by BEing present. As we gather with family (or “chosen family”) this holiday season, remember that these aren’t happy times for everyone. Maybe they aren’t happy times for you. Perhaps you’ll be entering toxic spaces with toxic people.
Ministering (as a verb) can turn this around for you…
Here’s a quote that I included in my book, The Little Book on Meaning:
“Our true destiny is not to be ministered unto but to minister to ourselves and to our fellow men.” — Franklin D. Roosevelt
To minister, to witness, to BE, to be present, to love, and to hold a container of wholeness for somebody even if they don’t see themselves as whole…
To bring forth patience and love and understanding, even when we don’t understand…
That we just witness, and we witness someone’s pain, and witness their struggle…
Can make all the difference.
I think it’s safe to say we’ve all been through some tough times recently.
So please accept this prayer, regardless of religion or tradition, to think higher, to think better, and to be aligned with goodness.
Energy of all things (God, spirit, higher self),
Allow me the blessing of a full heart,
That I may have more than enough of myself to share,
to another who needs it.
May I be a blessing to anyone that comes my way.
May I have the patience to care and the strength to lend.
May I see the light of life in all who are put in my path.
Help me to see it, embrace it, and give it.
May I serve as it is called for.
Thank you.
And so it is.
Again, I thank you.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Until next year,
Laura
*(Trigger Warning: Suicide) First, it’s important to note that should a loved one or friend makes the choice to end their life, it’s not your fault. Depression is not rational; it’s a disease that doesn’t allow people to see their value. If you are in the position to take action because someone has made you privy to that level of despair, get help. Have them call 988 or you call for guidance if they won’t.
