Day 583

For someone who has a predominately right brain mentality (creative, non-linear, non-analytical), lists are essential to the flow of life. Writing my Christmas List, checking it twice and making sure everyone is accounted for keeps me sane...and then there was Sam!

Sammy DOES NOT like to be away from his Mama! If I disappear into the basement or upstairs, he will find the last thing I touched and devour it with love. Today it was my Christmas List! It is impossible to be upset with my youngest Golden, but even those brown eyes couldn't quell the feeling of defeat in my heart.

Standing there, looking at the destruction of my precious list (along with some wrapping paper), I forced myself to be more left-brained about the event. What had I really lost? Was that list critically important to the happiness of Christmas? Could I move forward without the list? As a smile spread across my face, I called my naughty boy over to my side. He knew that he had done something wrong, but I gently told him "No" and then we walked out of the room. Sammy can't be blamed for needing his human with him 24/7!

This incident made me stop and take a moment to ponder that list. I had protected it, hidden it, revised it and depended on it. Now it was gone and life went on without a bump. Being a person who relies on organizational skills to keep my head above water, it felt good to just "go with the flow." The presents will find their way to the rightful "unwrapper" with or without that list.

Being in the moment is a challenge for many during the holidays. There are parties, gifts to buy, decorating and LISTS. There are only a few days left before Christmas and I, for one, am going to take a moment each day to simply enjoy the magic.

If you are someone who needs to ignore that list of "To-Dos" for the holidays, try to take a break and breathe in the wonders the season offers. If that doesn't work, you can always borrow Sammy...I hear he works for Milk Bones!