something's coming

There’s a saying, "If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there." A corollary would be "If you don’t prepare for what’s coming, you won’t be ready when it’s here." I’m thinking about this because it's Advent, the holy season before Christmas when worshipers prepare themselves for the birth of Christ.

On a more secular note, however, it behooves us all to prepare ourselves for what is coming. It is the advent of the holiday shopping season, and that includes all the winter holidays – Christmas, Hannukah, Boxing Day, Diwali, Kwanza, Solstice, Bodhi Day, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Yule, Zarthosht No-Diso – right up to New Year’s Eve.

It’s a good idea to prepare yourself before you go out traveling, shopping or dining. Remember that we are all out there. Everyone. We are also shopping, we are meeting friends, we are looking at holiday windows, we are hosting or attending parties. At the same time, people are working at their jobs. Some are caring for loved ones. Some might be looking for work.

So be prepared. You already know what’s likely to be out there. More people. More traffic. More pressure. Conjure up a mental image before you go so you’re not surprised. Give yourself extra time, more than you would need at some other, ordinary time. Make sure you are well-rested and fed and that your phone is charged.

When you find yourself in a long line or in a busy parking lot, you’ll be ready. And, of course, knowing that moods can be contagious, avoid situations that are spiraling out of control. Instead, you create a better mood. Be patient. Be kind.

And, if you are so moved, be joyful. 

© 2024 www.megreilly360.com

12/2/24