Goodness. [Rachelle Lee. The Personal Files]

Aaaahhhh. The Christmas rush. We are almost through it.

I thought about making a huge list of all the things I've accomplished in the last few weeks, but I'm sure you've all been busy checking things off your own lists. I have a love/hate relationship with this season. I always have the goal of spending November being "thankful." I don't even want to think of getting ready for Christmas in November because it ruins my month of truly focusing on being grateful. And then December comes, and I haven't prepared a thing. And the whirlwind starts. Maybe next year I will extend my "thankful season" to include Christmas.

Yesterday I had the opportunity to visit the SF art museum to see this collection of works. I have been waiting for this for months. One of Van Gogh's Starry Night paintings was on display and was by far the most amazing painting in the whole collection (even next to a Monet, a Degas and a Rembrandt). And I was struck by the irony of it all. Van Gogh, someone who is adored and his workes are reveared by millions, suffered from depression and insecurities regarding his artwork. And I wondered how often each and every one of us does the same thing?

How often do we criticize ourselves, refusing to see the good that we do. Refusing to see our unique strengths, instead, focusing on the flaws and insecurities. And I wonder what is the correct balance? We have to see our flaws in order to improve, but at the same time, we need to rejoice in our inherent greatness.

A few weeks ago, I started a little project inspired by this post over here. Milton, the elf, has been leaving a note/activity for the kids each night. In my first note, I told the kids they had been very good so he was going to help them count down the days until Christmas. Upon reading that, my son snickered, and and said, "yea, right." And I felt tears forming in my eyes. Why does he not see how good he is? That night I spent a precious few moments with him, reminding that he is a good kid. Regardless of the little things that go wrong throughout the day, he is a good kid.

Remind those you love of the goodness that they are. More importantly, remind yourself.

Merry Christmas.

:)

--r