Ho! Ho! Ho! A Very Merry . . . And An Especially Happy . . .

I want to take this opportunity to acknowledge this special time of the year. I know some of you are committed, Bible believing Christians. Others of you may be of the Jewish faith. There may be some Muslims, Hindus and believers of other religious faiths. And, certainly, I'm sure there are some non-practicing individuals and some agnostics and some atheists.

To me, it doesn't matter what your belief system is. I appreciate and respect you for who you are and how you live your life. It is beyond my position in the order of things to pass judgment on who may be right or wrong. Part of the freedom we are born with is to have free will and make choices and decisions that suit us individually.

So, during this particular season, whether you celebrate your chosen religious rituals and beliefs or celebrate it as a secular holiday and even if it's not your holiday season, I wish for you and all people around the world, peace on Earth and goodwill to all people.

Let each of us, in our own way, take a few moments during this holiday season to remember those around the world who may not be blessed as we are. They may not be comfortable or warm. They may not have adequate food, clothes or shelter. There are fighting men and women stationed around the world, many far from their families and friends. Let us not forget them. And, let's not forget that even in our own country (countries) there are those in need. In the case of the U.S., maybe an extra dollar in the Salvation Army Bell Ringer's bucket can be enough to make someone's day, week or year a little better.

Share time with family and friends. I don't know about you, but my family and friends are my true blessing and wealth. As a vandweller, I live in 50 square feet. I've had as much as 100 times that much space during periods of my life. It's not the amount of space that determines if one is safe, warm and comfortable. It's our attitude. I'm sitting in my tiny house outside Atlanta, Georgia as I write this message and I'm warm, comfortable and thankful. I hope wherever you are, you, too, are warm, comfortable and thankful. So, please have a very Merry whatever you'll celebrate.

I also want to wish you a happy, healthy and prosperous 2017. On January 1^st of each year we are given a new lease on the next year. What does that mean? Simply this! No matter how great or bad last year may have been, a new window full of opportunities opens, if you choose to open your mind and heart to the possibilities. A perfect life is a life that is full of imperfections allowing us to learn and grow.

Keep your mind and heart open. I don't buy into resolutions, personally. However, each new year I review the past year, the past five or so years and even my entire life. I remember the pivotal people and pivotal events that influenced my life and brought me to the place I am today. I give thanks to the universe and the intelligence that afforded me the gift of life. And then, I ponder the future. I set some goals . . . some simple and some more far reaching. I consider the possibilities and opportunities that have been uncloaking and providing me with choices to make for the new year.

Go into the new year with anticipation of great things and a wonderful year. The chances are that's much more likely to happen than if you start the new year expecting the worst. That's especially true if the last year threw some curves, presented some serious challenges or was full of seemingly insurmountable obstacles. One way or another you can move past that and turn the new year into the best year, yet.

So, it is my sincere wish for you to have a very Merry . . . and an especially Happy . . . and always remember to live free and be happy. EH