HALO - Home and Life Organizers’ Post

From Santa Claus to Father Christmas There are three stages in our lives. 1. When you believe Santa Claus is real During the festive season, as long as you are obedient and work hard, when you place socks by the bedside and make a sincere wish, Santa Claus will bring you gifts when you wake up. 2. When you discover Santa Claus is just mythical You discovered Santa Claus is not a real person, but rather a mythical character made up by adults. Now, you use science to calculate relative speed of deer cart and speed of Earth’s rotation. You use economic theories to estimate the return on investment. In the end, you found out it's nothing but fantasy. 3. When you become Father Christmas You know life may not always go as planned with aimlessness and stirring troubles. Nevertheless, you try your best to squeeze out a smile and convey the little hope and love we have to this world. I can be Father Christmas of people around. Can you? Adapted from Johnny Cheng's article. Johnny saw me entering the tech industry, and witnessed my transformation from a novice to a professional. Picture: Finnair - Memorable experience when I took a Christmas flight from Rovaniemi back in 2015

This Christmas, Pause and Reflect on the Bigger Picture As the year comes to a close and Christmas fills the air, it’s easy to get swept up in the chaos - gifts, gatherings, and the ever growing to do lists. But Christmas isn’t just about what we give or receive - it’s a reminder of something deeper - gratitude, purpose, and the divine plan shaping our lives. Gratitude is the foundation of a meaningful life. Making time for it each morning changed mine for the better. It’s not just about being thankful for what we have, but recognizing that every challenge, every triumph, and even every unanswered prayer has a purpose. It’s about trusting that God’s plan for us is unfolding exactly as it should, even when we can’t yet see the full picture. Christmas reminds us of this in the most profound way. The story of Jesus isn’t just one of birth - it’s one of sacrifice, love, and redemption. It’s a call to reflect on why we’re here and how we’re living. Are we aligning with the deeper purpose for which we were created? Are we using the gifts we’ve been given to serve others and make the world a better place? The meaning of life, at its core, isn’t about success, wealth, or status. It’s about connection - our connection to God, to each other, and to the purpose He’s placed in our hearts. When we align with that purpose, even the mundane becomes meaningful, and the struggles become stepping stones. This Christmas, let’s step back from the busyness. Let’s be grateful not just for what we have, but for what we’re becoming. Let’s reflect on how we can live with more intention, love, and faith in God’s plan. Because when we do, we discover that Christmas isn’t just a season - it’s a reminder of why we’re here - to live with gratitude, to serve others loop with love, and to walk with purpose. Merry Christmas to you and yours. May this season be filled with love and connection, and the quiet assurance that you are part of a much greater plan. -MB

Happy Memorial Day! Thank you to all who have served our country and those families who have loved ones that have given all to our country and freedom. Remember to show gratefulness for all that you have and sharing ones gratitude may be life changing. Notice how it changes the atmosphere. When someone is in the habit of getting your goat so to speak, what is it that they are getting from your reaction/response. Usually it is our reaction that feeds the usual reactive interactions. Changing ones response to no response or a loving kind joyous or grateful response may throw the whole situation into a healther situation. Habitually having the same conversations takes two. If all else fails, silence is one peaceful option.  Throwing ones treasured words to a beast who will only injure with whatever response, well action of a different kind may be prudent.  Silence insinuates much. Remember to ground and look closer at what is in the picture. The waterlily is obvious the frog blends in. What is obvious in your life and what has just blended in? Much Love and Many Blessings to you and yours. Lesley VanDeventer-Witt Life Energy Renewed llc.

Day 2 - Magical Practice The Magic Rock 1. Repeat steps one to three of Magic Practice Number 1 - Count Your Blessings: Make a list of ten blessings. Write why you're grateful. Reread your list, and at the end of each blessing say thank you, thank you, thank you, and feel as grateful for that blessing as you can. 2. Find a Magic Rock and put it by your bedside. 3. Before going to sleep tonight, hold your Magic Rock in your hand and think of the best thing that happened today. 4. Say the magic words, thank you, for the best thing that happened today. 5. Repeat the Magic Rock practice every night for the next 26 days. 6. Read tomorrow's magical practice today. #Gratitude #Magic #Countyourblessing

Wishing everyone a very Merry Christmas and a Happy and Prosperous New Year filled with peace, joy, hope and above all, love xxxxxxxx It seems that, every Christmas for the past 4 years (and more), we celebrate with the hope the next year will be better and yet for some reason, whilst there have been glimmers of better times, things don't seem to improve. I'm tired, not for myself, but for the people, the people whom it seems are constantly bearing the brunt of mis-management by those we should trust the most. This of course isn't a modern thing. Throughout history, it's been the general public who have borne the brunt of poor leadership. Time and again they're asked to fight the wars stupidity creates, to bear the burden of mistakes made by the greedy and the inept in power who, despite warnings for decades, do nothing until it's too late and again it's the people who suffer as a consequence. They want more from us and give less back. Making promises they have no intention of keeping or can't keep to get our support then stab us in the back; they squabble amongst themselves causing division, anger and fuel hate. Cause poverty, worry and stress; people struggling to pay their bills, warm their homes and buy food. We have violence on the streets, crime seemingly out of control, the innocent turned into criminals and the real criminals allowed back on the streets. An economy so flatlined it's almost time to turn off the monitors. It's not hyperbole to say the world is on the brink because, once again, the powerful and greedy fight for superiority and lands that aren't theirs. None of these things have happened over night. They are a culmination of years of weakness, ineptitude, dithering and lack of vision. We need to find a new way. A way of achieving the long term goals without hurting they very people who they say they're trying to protect. For the love of God give the people a break they never asked for any of this. The answers are right their staring at you in the face we just need someone with the backbone and the vision to take the initiative and say enough is enough. Having said all that and as cliched as it sounds, I still keep hope. I refuse to give up hope and that's what Christmas is all about. For a short while we can forget all our problems and divisions and celebrate a man who tried to fix the world with peace, love and understanding. Let's hope the leaders of this world can somehow do the same.

Merry Christmas to one and all Christmas is always associated with generosity , gratitude and forgiveness. We readily give these gifts to the others, but often forget to give it to ourselves. .The gift of accepting ourselves , forgiving ourselves and giving lots of gratitude to what we have in life. Much like how we decorate the Christmas tree, let’s decorate our inner self with hope, with love and with acceptance But before adorning the tree with New decorations, we have to let go of what is not serving us anymore, and that needs a little bit of reflection. So let’s do these three things What emotions or experiences from the past year no longer serve you? Whom can you forgive, including yourself, to lighten your heart? What blessings have filled your life, big or small, that you’re thankful for . Healing happens when we create space for it. What’s the one thing you’re gifting yourself this Christmas? Share in the comments—I’d love to know. #ChristmasHealing #SeasonOfJoy #InnerPeace #SelfForgiveness #HolidayReflections #GratitudeAndGrowth #HealToShine

Let's start a thread of gratitude in the comments😀 What are you most grateful for today? Sending love and light❤️ #healthymindhealthylife #healthymindfoundation #mentalhealthrecovery #grateful #FridayFeeling #personalgrowthjourney #practicenotperfection #selfgrowth #emotionalhealth #takecareofyou #WellBeingJourney #RefreshAndRecharge

🍂 Grateful Hearts, Stronger Bonds: Thanksgiving with Family 🍂 "Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves." – Romans 12:10 Thanksgiving isn’t just about a feast; it’s about fostering connection, gratitude, and love with the people who matter most. As we gather with family, it’s a perfect time to reflect on the blessings we often take for granted—the warmth of togetherness, the support of loved ones, and the beauty of shared moments. 🙌 Reflection: In the hustle of life, how often do we pause to truly thank God for our families? This Thanksgiving, let’s embrace not just gratitude for the meal but gratitude for the hands that prepare it, the conversations shared around the table, and the memories we’re creating. Let’s pray for unity, peace, and God’s love to fill our homes. ✨ Challenge for Connection: Before diving into the turkey, take a moment to go around the table and share one thing you’re thankful for. It’s a simple yet powerful way to honor God’s blessings and strengthen family bonds. 📖 Scripture for the Season: "Give thanks to the LORD, for He is good; His love endures forever." – Psalm 107:1 "As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD." – Joshua 24:15 Let’s carry the spirit of gratitude beyond the holiday, allowing it to shape how we love, serve, and connect every day. #Thanksgiving2024 #GratitudeInAction #FamilyFirst #FaithAndFamily #LinkedInConnections #GodIsGood

Gratitude fuels much of what we do and as such, we are grateful for every opportunity to partner with you in your express of gratitude for every reason! Our website boasts of great ways to share your heartfelt gratitude with those dear to you. Click here to browse: https://lnkd.in/gV4Y-zGQ . . . #yycgifts #gratitude #givethanks #thanksgiving #giftsofgratitude #thankulness #thankflgifting

TWO DAYS BEFORE CHRISTMAS The Power of Compasion Christmas is a time filled with joy, gifts, and celebrations. But beyond the decorations, music, and festive food, one of the most important gifts we can give each other is compassion. Compassion means showing kindness, understanding, and empathy toward others, especially when they are going through tough times. At Christmas, many of us are lucky enough to be surrounded by family and friends. However, not everyone has that same comfort. Some people may be lonely, struggling, sick, or facing difficult situations. This is where compassion becomes so important. Compassion plays a significant role in the healing process, offering benefits on emotional, mental, and even physical levels. Patients who feel cared for often experience faster recovery rates. Being compassionate means looking beyond ourselves and taking the time to care for others. It could be something small, like offering a smile or a kind word to someone who looks like they need it. Or, it could be volunteering your time to help those who are less fortunate. Even a simple act of listening or including someone in your plans can make a huge difference. At Christmas, when we celebrate the spirit of giving, let's remember that the greatest gifts aren't always material. So, this Christmas, let’s spread the holiday spirit by lifting others up and making them feel seen and cared for. After all, Christmas is not just about receiving—it’s about sharing the love and kindness that make the world a better place for all.