Christmas in Cherry Grove

Today is Christmas day and it is a very interesting feeling to be looking upon the ocean at Cherry Grove Beach here in South Carolina versus up in the White Mountains of New Hampshire.

Coming here to South Carolina definitely shifted me from snug within my comfort zone to just outside that zone. And that's a good thing. Because it made me think in new ways. For example, the act of preparing for the winter move insisted that I take a decidedly different focus and action than would have been necessary if I had just stayed home.

If I had just stayed home, I suspect that very little would have changed in my daily routine. I can guarantee that many hours each week would have been devoted to shovelling snow, scraping ice off the car, and working to keep wood in the stove. But making the decision to go south for the winter brought an excitment and feeling of anticipation that I haven't felt in years. It's a similar feeling to those that kids have as they wait for Christmas morning.

I'm finding myself exercising without even thinking about it, sitting at the computer to work without even thinking about it, and gazing meditatively out the window at the ever changing ocean - without even thinking about it.

Yes, it was worth pushing the limits of my comfort zone to come here. We left behind the trappings of Christmas past - we don't have the beautiful scent of the Balsam fir Christmas tree, we don't have our Christmas stockings or gifts, and we don't have family coming over for a feast.

Instead, we have a little Chia seed Christmas tree that my mother in law sent us (which looks awesome!), and are going to help the local Red Cross serve up 4,200 pounds of turkey today. We can't wait!

While I am sure I'll be glad to see my mountain home again in April, I am extremely thankful to be where I am right now. Merry Christmas to all who celebrate this holiday. And to everyone: Peace, blessings, harmony, and joy!