Happy Holidays

The holiday season is upon us.  This has been an interesting year.  I started an additional volunteer project and have been working with more children. The kids that I work with are anywhere from 8-16 years old.  A child's perspective really is a lot less jaded than that of most adults.  While stress is always a factor in the holiday season, it really is a cool thing to listen to what children have to say about life, hopes, and dreams.  Sometimes you don't realize how jaded you may have become as an adult.  It kind of sneaks up on you throughout the years.

There are so many ways to cope with holiday stress.  I won't go into details in this column.  I would just mention that it is important to be self-aware, introspective, and open to change.  I know I've gotten a bit more jaded in the last few years.  I'm glad that the kids were around to help me realize it. 

Happy Holidays! 

See ya.

Breaking Routine

There are a few movies out there that I just can't seem to stop watching.  One of them is Groundhog Day.  It's been 20 years since this movie has been in theaters, but the concept is timeless. At times, I think we all might feel we are stuck in an infinite loop at various points in our lives.  After a while, most of us get into a routine that can be rigid and inflexible.  While repetition can be a good thing, it is important to break out of the routine every now and then. 


Every one of us has a different idea of what "routine" means to us.  Most people with a weekday job have a set pattern and times that they work, sleep, and socialize.  My routine is a bit different, but it still involves the same things in a different pattern.  Breaking the routine keeps all of us from feeling like we are stuck in the infinite loop.  We call these breaks "vacations."  Fortunately, I have one coming up next week.  I really need a break.

See ya.