Holidays 2010

Dear Family and Friends
I write this letter: happy, healthy and wise (getting wiser every day I hope!) to you in the hopes of sharing some of my thoughts, feelings, expectations and wants.
I think I’m really lucky…and then I think I’m not. I, like many of you have busted my ass to be where I am today, and I am in a good place. I have a reliable job that pays well and offers lovely benefits. I am able to obtain an education that so many are not (of course, at the expense of student loans and mad-crazy schedules!) and I know that this is a true gift. I think that too many people don’t realize how good they’ve got it – even if it doesn’t seem all that great sometimes…and then I remember all the folks I know that have worked as hard or much harder than me: (my dad! for one) and I realize, there is a bit of luck in all of this. I’m lucky enough to be able to continue to work hard every day when some are not and I am so appreciative of that.
I feel honored to be in a position to help others. I have this ache in my heart that I cannot help everyone, that I cannot fix the world but, I do what I can (and sometimes more) and I feel like I must learn satisfaction in that and throw away the pain that is not being able to do it all…and then I don’t throw it away. I re-visit this pain when I want to feel down or trampled on or blue and I realize that the pain works. I feel so much gratitude to be surrounded by like-minded folks and to have made so many good friends in the name of giving to others: I cherish you all and am thankful to have made your acquaintance and to have you as a part of my family.
I expect things in life. I expect that hard work and dedication and giving and education and kindness and calmness will make a difference in this world. I expect it and am always so sad when it isn’t “just-so”. But this helps me continue in my ways…I expect that one day, I and my family and friends and others like us will change the world…and that we are doing so now by being kind and generous and expecting others to be and do so just the same.
I want better things…for my family, my friends and the folks I meet in unusually difficult circumstances. I want a world that is more fair and just and kind. I want people to have shelter and food and clothing and to receive appropriate medical attention. I want our government to get their shit together and help those who need it, help this planet, help our furry friends and to appropriately punish those who choose not to partake in a world of giving and kindness.
I think a lot…(obviously!) and challenge you to do the same – how can you help? how can you make a difference today? I feel compassion and heartache for my fellow man and I want you to too. I expect you to do good for you and yours…and your neighbors in need; it’s what keeps us human. Lastly, I want you all to feel the warmth of the holiday season, whatever it may mean to you: spiritually, religiously or otherwise – to be to be kind, to be generous, to be grateful.

Happiest of holidays to you and yours!
I appreciate all that you are and all that you do and give.

Much Love
Leah