Dec 09 2007
9 Good Things About Being Laid Off A Few Weeks Before Christmas
- You might actually get your Christmas cards out in time (in between submitting resumes).
- You have the perfect excuse not to give Christmas gifts.
- You have the perfect excuse not to send out Christmas cards (too busy sending out resumes).
- You have free time to do all those fun free things you’ve been meaning to do. Walk in the park. Go to the museum. Tour the city on foot.
- You have more time to spend with family.
- It’s a great time of year to be able to volunteer at the food bank, homeless shelter, and charity agencies.
- You realize that all the good in your life are not things that can be purchased.
- You realize that the best gifts you can give can’t be purchased (a hug, a kind word, and my favorite – LOVE).
- You realize that the best gifts you have ever received were not purchased (acceptance, hugs, kindness, and my favorite – LOVE).
Ricardo wrote a disclaimer at the end of his post on celebrating Hanukkah. He wrote, “This is a secular blog and this entry in no way shape or form is meant to convert, preach or proselytize my set of beliefs onto anyone else.”
I wrote “Christmas” when I could have used, “The Holidays.”
Why is it so complicated? I’m not an expert on religions but I am under the impression that all of them have a message of love, peace, and helping those in need.
My disclaimer: “Peace on earth, good will toward all.”
An excerpt from “The Meaning of Christmas” by Sonia Choquette:
Each occasion we create to feel the vibrations of Christmas helps raise the consciousness of the planet and return it to balance. For every person creating joy, there is one less person in pain.
These are the ways to experience the vibrational shift toward light that occurs during this season.
But there is one more thing you can do to amplify this experience a thousandfold.
That is to enter the season of Christmas with the intention of being a personal messenger of light and love, and celebrate in the name of service to Divine Consciousness.
Nothing transforms the ordinary into the extraordinary more directly than the intention to do what ever you are doing with the desire to serve Higher Power.
When we celebrate the season with such an intention and desire, we not only experience Christmas . . . we actually become Christmas: an agent of rebirth of the soul and the bringer of light.
Therefore, the best gift you can give to yourself and the world during this holiday season is a cup of spiced cider, a delicious Christmas cookie, a round of jingle bells, and the gift of self love.
So be it.
I’m glad you’re making the best of it – it does sound like it at any rate. I got the cutest card from one of students in the mail – it said, “Merry Everything, Happy Always!” Now that “Happy always” sounds like kind of a lot of pressure…but one can always try I guess.
Jill: That IS a cute card!
I am making the best of it and staying as focused as I can on the positives.
I decided last year that I would say “Merry Christmas” to people, rather than “Happy Holidays”. Not to offend anyone but because I celebrate Christmas and I shouldn’t have to be ashamed of that. It was wonderful to hear how many people said “Merry Christmas” right back!
ALF: that’s a great attitude – why should you be ashamed of your beliefs?
I like saying, “Merry Christmas!” and I celebrate it as well. I also like saying, “Happy Hanukkah” to my friends who are Jewish. If someone said, “Happy Hanukkah” to me, I wouldn’t be offended. I think if the message is one of love and celebration, why take offense?
MsQ – Have a very merry Christmas!!! I love your disclaimer. It’s the right idea. I do not get offended if someone says “Merry Christmas” to me. Most people celebrate that one so it’s kind of automatic. The intention is well meaning as well. So I can’t hate that.
I love this post, I love how you can accentuate the positive! I’m always afraid to say just one holiday when I’m talking to others because I don’t know which one they celebrate, but for my own, it’s Christmas! I love Christmastime!
Ricardo: I’m glad you like the disclaimer. I figured that you wouldn’t get offended if someone said, “Merry Christmas!” to you.
Hmm, is mistletoe Christian or maybe (hahahah!) pagan?
Happy Hanukkah to you!
I always have to check. Hanukkah is like broccoli to me (no offense meant at all) where I think, is it two “N’s” or 2 “K’s” or is it 2 “C’s” or 2 “L’s”
Sue: It’s too bad we have to watch it when it comes to the holidays but most people seem okay with “Merry Christmas” and receive it in the spirit that it was given. I’m glad you liked the post!
I’m thoroughly enjoying your spirit. Seeing the good in all things is resonating through out the post. I wish you the best as always.
Holidays, like Religion seem to be sensitive topics. I’ve learned to stay far away from both over the years. Doing so has done more harm than good. Most people want to know why you don’t participate or what you don’t celebrate rather than understand why they do it themselves.
I’ve grown to appreciate the Happy or Merry that people are sharing, giving, and caring to express. The message is still the same… Wish everyone well.
There is always going to be someone offended by something.
#6 defines you.
The holidays give me goose bumps. This is strange, because there was I time in my life when I resented them. It’s easy to throw out a ball of reasons…. capitalism, shopping, time consuming, etc. The true reason I rejected the season was my own “inner self” driven by denial and resentment.
I have to tell you, my sobriety has caused a re-birth in my life. I see everything with new eyes, and find myself thankful for what I have, not bitter for what I lack. This ties in with the whole “giving and loving” season of Christmas (for me it’s x-mas).
The key is letting this magic communication of humanity last far past the holiday.
Giving, loving, sharing, caring.
Let these things flow through your blood every day
Another great post MsQ. – You are my favorite writer.
Eric
I never thought about the positives of being laid off…I hope I get laid off.
UT: I’m glad you’re feeling the goooood. I’m loving how your blog is reflecting your shift in consciousness and feel that we’re like some geometric progression of sending out the good vibes. We’re all doing our part to add to the good. I like that.
I would like some clarification on what has done more harm that good – staying away from Holidays and Religion or the holidays and religions themselves?
Yes, people are always going to be offended by something. I’ve been trying to become detached.. From a spiritual standpoint, detachment from outcome is good. In this way I don’t force anything and can accept what is. When I’m detached (which does not mean unfeeling) I am un-offended. When I am detached, I have no need for you to be other than you are. Another spiritual concept is that nothing has meaning but what we attach to it.
Speedy! Awww, thanks! I wish I volunteered and did charity work – I haven’t done any so far. I do plan to volunteer at a local charity before year end – a friend invited me to go with her to a local church that provides many charitable services. It’ll be good. I hope to make it a habit!
Thanks for sharing your feelings and change of feelings about the holidays. Being reborn, that’s apt! You’re definitely part of the Geometric Progression of Love with your blog ! If anyone is cranking out love it’s you!
I am flattered (wowee!) at being your favorite writer. I’ve seen the other blogs you read – some great “competition” out there!
Jeff: Well…one thing I learned in a book by Anthony Robbins was, “Ask the right questions.” and when you ask the right questions, you put yourself in a more resourceful state. So one question to ask yourself is, “What is good about my situation?”
I don’t believe in bemoaning my fate. Bemoaning is not fun and makes my eyes puffy.