Opinion
I find myself a little impatient at other drivers and slow walkers during this time of year. The streets and the stores are crowded, and like myself, they are on a mission. I have had people pull out in front of me just so they can get one car ahead. Even if it means the other person has to slam on the brakes to avoid hitting them. A 2019 survey found that 45.5 percent of Americans say that other holiday shoppers are the root of their stress during the holiday season (Total Brain).
I have come again into the woods on a December evening.
If you’re not feeling delightful this December -- often called “the most wonderful time of the year” – you’re not alone. It’s been a hard year for millions of people in many ways. You’re not required to fall in line with the holly jolly hustle of the season.
Our pastor mentioned hitchhiking as an everyday activity in the 1900s, and I was overwhelmed with personal memories.
The last thing I wanted to do at 6am on Thanksgiving morning is to get ready to run a 5K in 30° weather. But this year I had family to join in the fun. Our youngest son, daughter in-law and 3 grandkids spent the night and bundled up to head to the local YMCA to burn a few calories before our Thanksgiving feast. It was not about winning, although that was fun too. Our son brought home 1st in his age group and one of the grandkids and myself came in 2nd in our age group. In my defense the other woman that came in first had legs at least a foot longer than mine. (my excuse). Everyone did well and it was fun to see the comradery and hear everyone cheering and encouraging others.
I really do love words. For me, they've always been like magic. As a shy kid, I felt so fenced in by fear of nearly everything, but putting words on paper set me free. No pressure, no time limits, no judgment.
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