Christmas- Reflect and Spread

Christmas.... what a wonderful holiday. The time to think. The time to remember. The time to love and care and spread good cheer. But how are we really spending this time of year? Have we actually took the time to think and remember? Have we just spent our time thinking about ourselves and our family or have we thought of others? This whole year has been ups and downs for my family and I, and now I am truly taking the time to just sit and reflect. I am in a great home with food and warmth, a husband and son who love me dearly, a precious little one on the way, and a new job that has brought me my laughter and personality back. I know that I am happy now, but what about the rest of this year?
I think when I became a mom and a stay-at-home-mom, I forgot who I really was. I forgot that I am an outgoing, social person who needs the company of others. I thoroughly enjoyed being with my son and watching him grow and bring new joys to my life-BUT... I let that cut out the other half of me. I became this person who was suddenly a stranger. I thought my duties were to cook, clean, take care of my son and provide what ever my husband needed. I suddenly aged about 10 years and missed the years of my youth. I indulged so much in my new family, new home, new environment, that I missed what was really important to me. MYSELF! I took on new beliefs and tried to force them onto my dear husband. I became unhappy.
After chaos and depression continued... I finally got a wake up call. Now I am sitting in an office with a completely different outlook on life. I remembered that I am only 24 years old and I have so much ahead of me. Yes, I got married at a young age, had a son, moved to a new state, new home, new job, and now pregnant... but that doesn't mean I have to leave my old life behind. I am taking what I have learned in the past 23 years of my life and adding them to the new experiences that I have learned just in this last year. I am a mom; a young mom, who needs to do things for herself sometimes. I need to love my family and love others as well, but I also need to learn to love myself and the person I have become.
This Christmas I am trying to help others understand that this could happen to them and to not forget! I talk to my friends who are thinking about marriage, already married, are parents, etc. and make sure that they are not completely changing into someone they do not want to be. I sent a Christmas box to a little 2 yr old boy in a third-world country to make sure this Christmas he has all the hygiene products and toys needed. I participated in providing food and presents for a family of eight. And now I am focusing on the good cheer I could spread. It breaks my heart, working in a Pediatric center, to see the kids who need love and care. I try to give them a smile and make them laugh so that at least, for that one moment, they don't have to think of the sadness in their life.
I hope you are doing something great this Christmas. Take time to reflect on what needs to change in your life and do a little something for someone else once in a while. I know that money might be an issue these days... but even a smile can brighten up someone's day! Merry Christmas and a "Make a Difference" New Year!! =)