Loyalty

I looked up the word and it’s a noun describing other terms such as faithfulness, devotion, allegiance, reliability I think you get my point.  I would imagine most of us prefer loyalty to everything else we can offer friends and family and if you believe you have this in your life; wouldn’t it make your existence in this complicated world more bearable?

Which also brings up the question of what you are required to give back in order to maintain these kind of relationships also making me ponder if  it’s worth the efforts.  As I write this question I asked myself what in the heck got me thinking so deeply when I just finished two lovely days and evenings with my family and friends. Why today, am I filled with emotions and questions is it the season and what’s coming for Christmas that’s forced me to look into my soul and choose where I stand with loyalty. Emerging from these thoughts is my dreadful self wondering what my future will be regarding my health and how much time I have left in this world allowing me to finish some of the things I recently began working on.

This blog has become important to my heart and soul and my partner and I have had so many obligations it’s almost been impossible to meet and make business decisions which will help us grow to the next level.  I’ve also started understanding I have to learn so much more in order to support the site and with how difficult it’s been for me to study regarding the web; thus I’ve become frustrated wishing I only had to write and not worry about the technical things.  After all a true artist (and writing is a form of art) shouldn’t have to stifle her script in order to make the site more technical and up to date.   So you ask where loyalty comes regarding my blog and it’s simple; it’s my commitment to maintaining a certain amount of articles and still being able to work full time leaving enough room for family and friends.  Of course, then there is the matter of taking care of yourself and the secret needs you’ve read that I reference from time to time.

And that’s where it all comes together for me with regards to life.  As the holidays approach ask yourself who gets what and where you’ll celebrate your days off.  Determine who will come to your home or will you be visiting at your families homes.  Making those choices when you have children and grandchildren and friends is another case of loyalty making sure those that count are included in your plans.  Accomplishing all of this can be very stressful so think it through and be willing to be flexible when necessary.  Remember last year I mentioned how hard it is to get together with everyone because of the extended families.  If you’re faced with this start the schedule a week or two before and work on not making anyone feel guilty because they won’t be seeing you on day of the holiday.  Most important is the effort made to get together during the festive times and think about it as an extension of family and friend celebrations.  You’ll certainly get the support of the children as they’ll be receiving gifts, having family and friends over a longer period of time.

Being organized during the holiday season will help reduce the pain of everything you need to accomplish for the season.  Family and friends will be eager to help you figure out how to get it all done once you share what you’re trying to achieve and it’ll probably work with what they’re trying to do as well.  All of us have to make time and budgets for the holidays I don’t remember a time more focused on our economy, jobs and the unknown and if we all face it together it can help us ease each others fears and tensions.

So while achieving that loyalty to your family and friends sneak in a little time and effort for yourself.  Take a walk in the mall have a bite to eat in the food court and allow your mind to be free from all the obligations and jobs yet to be accomplished. Watch people; make a list of what you still need to do and don’t try to get it done this visit let your mind review the unfinished.  Later choose one or two of your favorite stores or shops and walk through looking not buying a thing enjoying what you see dreaming  what it would be like to make a list and have someone do all the hard work purchasing the items organizing and wrapping for you’re giving away.

Remember this is time of celebration being happy and spreading joy to friends and family.  So if your budget allow many presents; prepare your family regarding the hard times and see if they are interested in donating the day to food kitchens, churches, or organizations that can make a difference to others who are more disadvantaged. This can help repair the idea of not receiving several presents themselves.  Remain loyal to the hearts of your family and friends by telling them this year is your chance to give them the gift of you.  Be honest and clear to those you love and you may be surprised at their responses; you might help others realize enjoying the holidays doesn’t have to be filled with receiving gifts.  Make your favorite recipe and share dinner together and converse about life and your inner thoughts.   Keep in mind the words that describe loyalty: faithfulness, devotion, allegiance, reliability.  I don’t see any utterance for giving gifts, so if you can be there and enjoy the time together or share yourself with those less fortunate perhaps during these difficult times we can rise to the occasion by being wiser regarding what we’ll give for the holidays this year. 

And me, I’m feeling wonderful about what I’ll be doing this for the holidays and I’ve dramatically reduced what I’ll be giving to everyone and so far no complaints.  And regarding grammology I’m really trying hard to understand more about blogs, and twitter hoping to make this site one of your favorite places to visit.  Sharing grandma’s thoughts and stories hoping you’ll enjoy them as much as I do writing them especially about all the things going on in my head (a big place) and my family.

My best, grammy