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Health & Fitness

The Christmas Spirit

The spirit of Christmas is a reminder of who we truly are.

Christmas has always been my favorite time of the year. I was fortunate to grow up in a beautiful island that celebrates the holidays through Three Kings Day on January 6. Since I was a little girl, the birth of Jesus Christ was cherished in many meaningful ways.

I remember willingly getting up at 5 in the morning to go to Mass 12 days before Christmas Day and all the other festivities with it’s typical music and colorful decorations. During that time, the stars in the sky of my small island seemed brighter, as I used to believe back then that some of them were The Three Wise Men on their way to Earth.

However, when the holidays were over, I nostalgically wondered why they couldn’t last all year long. Realizing now that our human nature would take this special time for granted, losing the magic that it has to offer; I am also realizing that the real Christmas spirit should persist all year long in our hearts. Therefore, these holly days are an opportunity to discover within ourselves joy, peace and magic; envisioning with gratitude a wonderful new year.

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Miracles should be part of our daily routine and by believing, we allow them to manifest. During these days, so many of us get inspired in different ways, wanting to help those in need by offering money or volunteering our time. We also exchange gifts with friends and family but the most important thing of the holidays is that when we are able to feel and express the magic that resides within us, we inspire others to reach out.

The other night I watched "It’s a Wonderful Life," and what an inspiring message this movie offers. How many times do we go through life expecting things to be a certain way to surprisingly realize they don’t always work out the way we expect them? Instead of trusting with joy and faith that there is a divine order in my life and a very good reason for my circumstances to happen the way they do, there are times when I have felt discouraged. However, I have to admit that God has never let me down, always coming to my rescue when I need him.

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Sometimes we think that if we get the perfect job, home or relationship, we will be happy, when in essence what we really want is to complete ourselves with the love that resides within us. In order to do that we must forgive those who have hurt us as well as ourselves. We can’t feel love if we are nurturing resentment. When we reach within us and discover how magnificent we are as spiritual beings, we begin to shine, spreading our divine light by connecting with others. The more we give, the more we are going to get back but we must do it from a place of love without expecting anything back.

When we allow ourselves to perceive life as a miracle, we become instruments of God by touching others with our love. Just like all those magical movies that are being continuously broadcasted on TV, we should expect miracles. By nurturing love and gratitude in our hearts, we will shine during this holiday season, spreading our light within as we joyfully remember who we truly are.

May you have a joyful and magical Christmas!

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