It is really cold out there! Perfect time to sit indoors, with a hot cup of tea, a couple of cookies and in front of the computer, contemplating.
I am always contemplating on what-to-do-next. While this habit leads me to be goal oriented, it also has the downfall of creating anxiety, especially when not everything goes they way it was planned, or when the list becomes so large that it is overwhelming.
So taking my time to stop, make myself a cup tea, and focus on gratitude is not only a good idea but a necessity. Exactly that concept of mindfulness and the fact that I need to be mindful in order to function with clarity changed the direction of the book I am working on. Which brings me to the first thing, I am grateful for – the progress I am making with my tea book.
Working title “Happy Tea”, this book demanded to take on a different direction this week, completely unexpected. I thought I would write a book featuring tea traditions, rituals and recipes, but the Universe had something else in mind. Instead, I will focus on the mindfulness of tea, the connection of this beverage within meditation, gratitude and positive living. It seemed like this aspect of tea would serve you better. There are many wonderful books out there, who focus upon the technical aspects of the subject, so I can focus on this direction.
Another thing I am grateful for is the holiday season is almost over. Yes, celebrations are nice, but they also mean extra work, so I am looking forward to having more time to write.
I am grateful that my daughter gets to see Star Wars with her boyfriend tonight. I am not a fan, but they are, so I am happy for them. I am sure they will have a great time.
I am also grateful for the decorations I have been seeing in the neighbourhood.While people do not seem to decorate as much here as in Tampa, the few who have did a great job. Almost made me want to join in. Then I looked at my to-do list and decided to just enjoy everyone else’s decor instead.
What are grateful for this week?
How do you deal with the holiday stress?
Blessings!
Claudia
This blog post is a part of the following blog hops:
Avalon-Media - A LifeStyle Blog 
I have to say I love the title “Happy Tea”. I think it gives your book a positive spin, and I can see myself smiling inside when thinking about it.
I don’t do celebrations or Christmas. Partly because I’m not religious, partly because this year the holidays are to be spent at home with my cat. So I saved myself the decoration stress. I think I’ll be switching to the pagan holidays from next year as I am a pagan at heart.
Hope you have a beautiful week ahead. Can’t wait to read your book on tea. 😀
glad you liked the idea.
Not celebrating makes the whole time a lot easier. If you were closer, I would invite you for Yule.
love the title of your book! glad you have found so many things to be cheerful about
thank you – glad everyone seems to like the idea – blessings!
I LOVE the painting of the boot and mouse! You’re so talented! I’m sure you can take your tea book in any direction you feel it should go and it will come out great. Have a lovely weekend! 🙂
you are so sweet, dear Lexa – I am looking forward to sharing the book with you all in Spring – blessings!
It’s funny how books can do that — just change directions without warning. The new direction sounds just as interesting as the old one, to me. Good luck with it!
I love looking at others’ decorations, too. Particularly at night when they’re all lit up. Some people go all out with their decorating.
I’m looking forward to seeing the new Star Wars movie. Hopefully next week.
Have a great weekend and a lovely Christmas holiday!
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season as well! Blessings!
Happy Tea, I love the title! I’m thankful that even though we are 1900 miles away from family during the holidays we can still talk with unlimited long distance! I know it sounds odd, but my sister and I talk for hours every week and I’d hate to resort to sending smoke signals. Thanks for linking up with Thankful Thursdays.
that does not sound odd at all – I am glad you have such a great relationship with your sister – blessings!
I’m not a planner, more ‘go with the flow’. My boys need everything to be organised, so it’s nice to run free sometimes. I love the trimmings that are up, around our area, although I’m part of it! xx
PepiSmartDog: a beautiful and thoughtful post! We love gratitude posts!
Sorry I’m late getting here but thank you for joining our Thankful Thursday Blog Hop each week. Really enjoy your posts! *waves paw* :=o)