I am lucky in that I don't really get depressed, as in sad, over the holidays.  But I do get overwhelmed.  Prior to having kids, my answer to this question would have involved Bailey's or Kahlua, lol...but these days I need a different approach.  Gratitude seems to work well.  Being thankful for what I have...thankful for the fact that I have so many people in my life that even though all of the social invitations get overwhelming, well I'm lucky there are people who want me around...thankful for the simple joys of every day.  I always love nature's role in this time of year, everything goes into hibernation to be born again in the spring.  It's a good reminder to personally look inward, and rest for awhile.

Enthusiasm for life, a good sense of humor, and an open mind.

Interesting question...The first that comes to mind is my immediate family--I feel I belong with my husband and kids.  Other than that, I don't think there is a static answer.  There are groups of people and friends and family with whom I sometimes feel I "belong", and other times not so much.  But doesn't everyone feel that way at some point or other?  Growing up I always identified with Herbie the Elf from the "Rudolph the RedNosed Reindeer" TV special--I felt like a misfit.  But honestly, I've never felt that in a "poor me" way or in a way that makes me somehow better.  It's just the way it is and that's ok...I'm lucky to know lots of other misfits! :)  Am I even answering this question?  I'm tired.

I will start with what others do for me every day...

Every morning my husband kisses me goodbye and wishes me a good day on his way to work.  He is blessed to love his job and I am so glad because it is what allows our  family to have a stay-at-home parent.  Every evening he helps me clean up after dinner, then tag-teams bedtime for the kids.

Every morning my 8 month-old greets me with a big smile and is starting to say "MaMa."  My toddler entertains me with his crazy imagination.

So what I do for someone else every day...I change lots of diapers, wash lots of laundry. make meals...stuf like that.  I feel it's all worth it.

Silence.  I love it, I savor it.

Every new Year's Eve I like to take a few minutes to think about my intentions for the new year.  I usually put them on a little piece of paper and fold them into my jewelry box to revisit the next year, but right now, if I move from this spot, my kids will ask me for something...so I'm laying low and putting my intentions down here.  (My husband is playing with the kids, mama needs a little down time. :) )

1)  Waste less time.
2) Eat and cook mindfully.
3) Only take courses that I truly find interesting.
4)  Curb my spending and figure out what void my shopping fills.
5)  Keep improving as a mom, listen to my kids and what they need from me.
6)  Be a kind, patient and loving partner to my husband.
7) Honor each moment.

I am coming around to the thought that positivity is how I can be useful to the people around me.  I've spent many years jaded, yet sort of an "undercover optimist"...or "the pink level of goth", for any Sarah Vowell fans, lol.  Anyhow, I've written in some of my other posts here how I feel called to be a healer.  I think some of the healing has to start with my attitude, my spirit, and what I bring to the table for others.  Many of you on this site have inspired me to take a more positive view of the world, and I am grateful for that!

I love to learn from other people, what they are doing and what they are interested in, their experiences in life.  Socially, I'm sort of middle-of-the-road...hardly a social butterfly, but not a wallflower either.  Over the past several years I've decided that I am supposed to learn something from every person I encounter, and I may not always know what it is, but we crossed paths for some purpose.

Taking care of Mother Earth, nurturing and loving the children, and nonviolence...
These are passions that have "lit a fire" for me throughout my 34 years, even as a  very young child...so I would say that those are the things that I stand for.  As I grow up, I've noticed that I am able to make a difference in these areas because of that certain passion that burns inside.

Wow, I used to be obsessed with it.  I saw myself through the eyes of others, and tried to maintain that image.  I know I've written a bit about it on this blog.  Becoming a parent almost three years ago forced me to step out of myself, and in doing so, I truly became myself, if that makes any sense.  Now I honestly don't really spend too much time thinking about what others think of me.  If I did, I'd probably go crazy.  In my area of the world, sling-wearing, tandem-breastfeeding mamas as myself are kind of thought of as weirdos, so I'm better off not spending too much energy on the subject.  I still have bouts of self-conciousness about my appearance from time to time.  That's not something I'm proud of.  Often when I see someone who I haven't seen since before I had kids, I kind of worry what they're thinking.  Not that my appearance has changed that drastically, but when you go from being someone whose appearance "defines" them to someone who has better things to think about, it can be a change.  I am sure going off on a tangent here...have a good morning everyone!

Just one thing???  The first thing that comes to mind is, I'd like to learn how to heal the suffering of others.   I think about this quite a bit.  From my own kids' everyday boo-boos to the pain of someone suffering from a horrible illness, I want to learn how I can help them heal--physically, emotionally, and spiritually.

Definitely a morning person!  I've never been a night owl.  But especially now, after taking care of two very young childr en all day, I am exhausted by the end of the day.

I think it's important to be both...putting forgiveness first.  On a very basic level, I think of the times when my boys get into a squabble.  My baby might knock over the tower of blocks my toddler was building...these days, sending the toddler into a fit of rage.  The first thing I do is pick up the baby to get him out of harm's way, then I try to model forgiveness for the toddler while telling him I understand why he became angry...it's ok to become angry, it's NOT ok to hit your brother--even if he did something to upset you.  The kids woke me up a few hours ago (4:30 AM) so I am kind of tired and probably not making much sense here!  What I am trying to say is, I think compassionate fairness is a good balance.

definitely emotion!  Reason is something that sneaks in after I have reacted to emotion.  I try to balance the two, however--I think it helps me to be more compassionate.

Positivity.

I am most affected by sound.  My best memories have soundtracks--I can hear people's voices, the music that was playing, any incidental noise.  Certain sounds and tones even affect my mood.  Sometime complete quiet is my favorite thing, but only for a short time.

Hmm...what a funny question.  Right now my hair is long, just past my shoulders.  It used to be very curly, but postpartum hormones (x2) have changed it onto frizzy waves.  I only have my hair cut every six months or so, which is not great for split ends, but oh well.  I have a love/hate relationship with my hair, as I always have, but I am now trying to embrace its unruliness.  I've never done anything terribly unusual with it--I don't color anymore (I have dark brown hair), but even when I did, the most unusual color was a pink-ish plum that I had during the early 90s.  Up until I got married in 2000, I was faithful to blue-black, trying hard to be Bettie Page, lol.  The year I got married, I had it cut to my chin, which was the shortest my hair had been since childhood, when I had some very short cuts that were my idea but I hated every time.  So now I'm back to long crazy hair...

Practically, I would say Canada because, living in Detroit, it's just a drive across a bridge.  Assuming my family and friends are not also exiled, it would be easier for them to visit me.  We actually entertained the thought of a move to Canada in 2004, I'm sure you can guess why...

This past Friday we celebrated Hannukah with my cousin and her husband.  We have never been to a Hannukah celebration before, so this was a very wonderful first.  My cousin's husband is Jewish and was amazing explaining the symbolism of the meal and the menorah-lighting to my toddler.  We had latkes, matzo ball soup, and roasted squash, then rugelach for dessert.  The food was great, but the company was better.  My cousin and her husband are such beautiful people...both artists, they have a passion for living that is contagious.  I was honored that they invited my family to share this special meal.

How can I get the baby back to sleep?  (I'm tired).