Focus on Life: Week 46 - Reflect

This is week 46 for the Focusing On Life: 52 Photos weekly photography challenge and our host, Sally, from over at the Studio Sublime gave us this prompt:
 
 
 
Week 46: Reflect
 
"The start of the Holiday season is coming up quickly whether we are ready or not, so before jumping in to all the hustle and bustle let's take a moment to slow down and reflect on all the joy, peace, happiness and love we already have in our life."
 
Wow - how on earth do I capture all the joy, peace, happiness and love that surrounds me in one photo - especially when all those I love and find joy with are spread through out the country?
 
Yep - a bit more challenging than it sounded when I first read this prompt last Sunday!! 
 
Last year during this time of year I was whining to my brother-in-law (aka - Older Wiser One) one day about how rude people were during the Holiday Season and how I thought this was supposed to be the "Happiest Time of the Year!"  And  his response went something like this,....
 
"There are people who don't feel the same as you do during this time of year Shelly because maybe they've lost a loved one and they're missing them.  Or maybe they can't be with the ones they love during the holidays and this makes them sad. Or, perhaps they are trying to figure out how they're going to put food on the table and they're worried there won't be enough money to feed the ones they love. Or maybe, they just don't have people around them who care about them like you do."
 
UGGHHHH! 
'Older-Wiser-One' is such a downer sometimes! 
But he was right. 

I needed to step out of my 'bubble' and realize how lucky I was and just accept things for what they were and not expect everyone to feel the same or act the same as I was acting and feeling.
(Just take things as they come and don't judge or be offended!)
 
So, this week I chose to "Reflect" on how lucky I am. 
(Truly Blessed - despite how some weeks I seem to forget this!)
 
And I wish those who might be feeling down or in despair the comfort and luxury of Joy, Peace, Happiness and Love as our year slides into its final weeks.
 
 
 
 
Until Next Time,
May Everyone Find Their Little Slice of Joy, Peace, Happiness and LOVE!
 
Cheers,
~Shel~

21 comments:

  1. Your brother is indeed wise. It's easy to forge that others may not enjoy the season for reasons we may never know. I love your photo.

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  2. Oh, Shel - you are reminding me how little time there is between now and whatever holidays we all observe. But you are right, taking time to count our blessings is the best way to move into the season!

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  3. Thanks for sharing the wisdom of your brother-in-law. Great post.

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  4. Great post Shel, I like your Brother in Laws words of wisdom and will have to remember that, I also like your reflection in the ornament when you took the photo.

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    1. Thank you - it's my sister's tree up at the cabin

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  5. Thank goodness for big brothers! I find myself trying to remember in the moment that those who are most unkind are often most in need of a little kindness. But seriously, is that really your Christmas tree up already!?!

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    1. LOL - no Emma it's not my tree, it's my sister's tree up at her cabin last year that we decorated. I kinda cheated this week actually. I'm going through old holiday pics to edit for some cards I'm making for the holidays (and reflecting while I'm doing this!!) and this one popped out at me and made me 'reflect' a bit more than some others - so I edited it for the post today. :-)

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  6. Absolutely perfect Shel! How lovely to have an Older Wiser one like that in your life! :-)

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    1. Yep, I've got a pretty cool bro-in-law that's for sure!

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  7. I don't really like Christmas.. somehow the stress of finding the perfect gift ... flying across country when everyone else is ... I spend the entire season wondering if I'm going to get stuck in an airport for a week!

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    1. Yes, it can be such a stressful time, this is for sure! I'm wishing you safe and speedy travels this holiday season and may you find the perfect gift for all those on your list!! :-)

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  8. Your brother hit the nail on the head. Please go read my post this week.

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    1. I was just reading your post as you were posting this Donna - how funny is that?! I do understand where you are coming from on this one,....know I'm thinking of you and sending some love and light your way!!! **hugs!!**

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  9. Great post Shel. I like your brother-in-laws response.

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    1. I know, right Becky? He's usually such a jokster kind of guy - but when he is serious, it's profound, and his words usually stop me in my tracks and really make me think!! Lucky to call him family and friend!

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  10. I like your reflections. What a pretty picture! There are all kinds of reactions to the "holiday season." And the best way to deal with that is to try to approach every day with love in your heart!

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  11. Your post rings true for so many, as it did once for me. Thank you

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  12. A great post and so true! It is very easy to forget how blessed we are - it's human nature, I think.
    Thank you for stopping by and for leaving a lovely comment - sorry, I'm really late replying... But I HAVE just made it before the next FoL post :)

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Thanks for sharing what you have to say - I love hearing your comments!