Well here we are once again approaching the 25th December - is it just me or does it seem to come around more quickly every year?
Newspapers, advertising and television are all themed up for this time of year. School holidays, nativity church services and office parties are all the order of the day as everyone chooses to celebrate in their different ways.
But what is Christmas really all about? What does it mean to you? Do you get to choose how you spend this festive season or do you have to fit in with the hype and expectation?
Hype and expectation - maybe that sounds a bit humbug, a bit cynical and disapproving? If so, it's not meant to sound like that.
The traditional message is, 'Peace on earth, goodwill to all men.' Now I don't know about you but my interpretation of this has somewhat evolved over my lifetime. From a childlike perception of three kings on camels following a particularly bright star in the sky to an adolescent's opinion that once a year is a great idea to hope that all wars would cease and everyone would be agreeable with each other.
Now with a grown up family I take a rather more proactive view of, 'Peace on earth, goodwill to all men.' Obviously biblical in origin, at least that's what Christians believe, isn't it fascinating to think those seven words have stood the test of time and are as acceptable at this time of year today as they have ever been?
I'd like to share with you today on what they mean to me, at this particular time of life - well I have had 54 tries to ponder on what's behind the message!
Over the past few months I have written many times on how we can design the life we would like to have and how we can shape our future both professionally and personally. So, as I write, I wonder what significance those famous seven words have in the world of Personal Development? Do they convey the best message ever written or are they an out dated ideal belonging to another generation?
For Christmas 2010 here are my thoughts;
Peace - remember emotional intelligence? Where is Peace on the Hawkins side of emotions? Yes, right at the top, the ultimate feeling of every thing being okay within ourselves. A deep calm and a sense of peace.
Earth - quite simply life as we know it. Life on this planet, 2010, this time around. Our journey through 'time'
Goodwill - another word for love. Not necessarily sexual love but harmony, good wishes, karma, wishing all of this for everything and everyone. Spirituality comes into this for many people.
To all Men - not intended as sexual discrimination(!) but rather, regardless of their gender, circumstance, age or colour of skin, a sense of non-judgemental oneness with our fellow man.
So there we have, 'Peace on Earth, Goodwill to all men.' Seven words that have stood the test of time and sitting smack bang in the middle of 20th century personal development jargon!
Which begs the question; could Jesus have been the original life coach? Or any other spiritual icon for that matter? I'll leave you to ponder that one.
But don't you find it interesting that these seven words are as relevant to our inner peace and contentment, as they have ever been? In a troubled world, with economic fear and worry over uncertainty, this Christmas we can stop and think that as well as shopping for presents, parties, turkey, goose or Christmas pudding, if we all change our approach to life and try our best to wish others the best regardless, love them unconditionally (yes the enemies too!) and not segregate the ones we like from the ones we are not so keen on. Not only will the world be a happier place but we will feel happier within ourselves too. And there's always the chance it helps them to be nicer towards us too! A sort of win, win for all.
A quote that has always made me think;
'Suffering is optional, but you have to provide it for yourself'
In other words, 'suffering' or pain is very often, if not always, a choice.
Maybe 'Peace and Goodwill to all Men' is the best antidote to us suffering hurt inside. Maybe that is why they were uttered in the first place and why they are still used today?
If we wish the best for others, we are giving the ultimate Christmas present to them, to ourselves and to our world.
Not always easy but undoubtedly the ultimate Christmas present which never fails to disappoint others, requires money or needs to be exchanged afterwards!
Sounds like a good present to me - how about you?
Happy Christmas to you and yours.
May it be your best, ever.
