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Keep Smiling

1/1/2019

Life can be full of challenges! Can I hear anyone say...Ya! That's Right!!
One of those challenges is how quickly people move in and out of my life in expat living. I have to say, I have had my times of moving, and I definitely understand it! But in expat living, I seem to experience the loss in an unique way. It's like, "No! Don't go and leave me behind!"

One thing this experience has done is make me more grateful for my long-term friendships. It has also made me more in tune with maintaining connections and contact over the miles.(Technology definitely helps with this!!) I think I value these connections more today than I have at any other time in life.

As I am reflecting on a New Year, I anticipate amazing things AND I anticipate more changes...more people moving in and out of my life. So, in the midst of it all I say...
KEEP SMILING!
There maybe the momentary sense of loss and some level of grief BUT there will always be JOY coming around the corner if I keep my focus on the right things! Life is short...make each moment count!

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Merry Christmas!

12/1/2018

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Decorating for Christmas. Click the picture to link to one of my favorite Christmas music you-tubes this season.

The season of celebration is here again!
We just finished the Thanksgiving holiday and now we are winding up for the Christmas festivities! Holiday traditions abound at this time!! And I join in with the holiday activities...at least what I hold dear to my heart.

I live in a world now that does not celebrate the holidays like I have experienced for so many years of my life. I think being in an environment where I am less saturated with all the traditions of the holidays, I have come face to face with the question, "Why do I do this anyway?" Being in the flow of a river where you flow with the current causes your journey to be effortless and even automatic. Living in America during this holiday season is like being in a huge river with a strong current carrying you through the season with many, "it's suppose to be", "it's just what we do", and so many other automatic and traditional thoughts.

So what is all of the hype of the season about? I would like to share some of my reflections with you as I have grappled with this since living abroad.

First let me share...
Where I have lived, these cultures also have their festivities and celebrations that are focused around their beliefs and cultural/religious traditions.These celebrations connect generations. They pass on beliefs and traditions from generation to generation. They are part of the fabric or substance of a society and an individual's life. These celebrations become a touch point for a family to gather together over the year or at least to send well wishes to each other and friends. So in light of these reflections, I have continued to celebrate the holidays that are dear to my heart, namely, Thanksgiving and Christmas. Now, the WAY this happens has changed. Some things are the same but many things change to fit where I am now. But keeping the footprint of these celebrations in my life and family are of great importance to me.

If you find yourself grappling with the question,"Why do I do this anyway?", here are some of my reasons. Maybe you will find a light of understanding for yourself as you read these. And at this time of year let me say to you...
Merry Christmas!
(Click Read More for Cindy's Holiday List)

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Those Sweet Moments

11/1/2018

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Ice Cream treat at Swenson's at Aeon Mall in Hanoi

It's those sweet moments in life that strengthen us to keep on keeping on! Not every moment is "sweet" and the sour moments can create negativity and a "puckery" attitude. Then we get that sweet taste again. These moments remind us of the good that still surrounds us in our lives. These moments remind us there is something greater than the sour flavors of life.

Where do these "Sweet Moments" come from? A trip to Swenson's at Aeon Mall in Hanoi?? Well...that is one type of "Sweet Moment"...hahaha! And that is not all there is to it! We can find these "Sweet Moments" outside of getting that ice cream fix.

I first discovered this idea when I was in the States facilitating grief support groups.The idea that good still surrounds us even in the grief of losing someone began to resonate in me as I worked with these individuals experiencing grief. It's not denying the loss, the grief, or the adjustment. It is learning to look up and see: The sun is still shining.The birds are still singing. People are still in my life. Purpose still pulsates through my veins. Good still surrounds me, and this turns into a strength that helps me RISE and STAND. Standing in a new day-a new season of life. The sun is still shining and the road is waiting for me to travel on.

In this blog I would like to highlight 4 points I use to find these "Sweet Moments" of life. Click on READ MORE to discover these points.

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