It's
the holidays, and my favorite time of the
year. It's a chance to reconnect with old
friends, and make new ones, and a chance
to teach my daughter that the value of
giving far outweighs receiving.
This time of the year provides an
excellent opportunity to teach charity.
Although it shouldn't be the only time the
lesson is taught, it is this time of year
that those without, feel the pain of
hardship the most. Last year, I took my
daughter to the store and told her to pick
out a present that she thought would be
nice to receive. She picked out a Barbie
doll with ice skates, and though it was
difficult for her to part with it, she put
into the box of gifts for boys and girls
less fortunate than herself. It was a
difficult lesson for a five-year-old, -
she didn't want to part with the pretty
Barbie. She was delighted, when on
Christmas Day; Santa left her this same
Barbie, and a note about how proud he was
that she had given away a doll that she
had wanted to keep so badly.
This is going to be a short column, as I
am sure your time is better spent with you
children doing crafts, visiting, and
holiday shopping. I have a couple of
suggestions for gifts to yourself or to
any other single mom you may know. Two are
books; the other is a free weekly advice
column.
Pick up a copy of, "The Courage to
be a Single Mom, Becoming Whole Again
after Divorce", by Sheila Ellison.
This is a good read if you are struggling
with a divorce, and the loss associated
with all those expectations you had for a
life that are now changed. This is really
a book for divorced single moms, and I
wouldn't recommend it if you are a
"never-married" single mom.
The other book I am recommending is: "The
Single Mother's Survival Guide", by
Patrice Karst. It is a small book, perfect
for reading in short bursts, when your
very busy, and provides a sometimes light
hearted look at the struggles we all face.
Finally, I recommend a free weekly
newsletter, "The Insight Newsletter" by
Edel Jarboe. It can be found at:
http://www.simplerliving.com .
This newsletter is full of helpful tips on
getting on with your life, and living it
to its utmost. Once you subscribe, you
will receive it each week in your email.
The most recent topic was on shaping your
destiny. In addition to practical advice,
Edel offers up an inspirational quote. The
most recent one was: Reach high, for stars
lie hidden in your soul. Dream deep, for
every dream precedes the goal, as quoted
by - Pamela Vaull Starr.
That's the best gift anyone can offer - a
life lived to the fullest with our dreams
pursued.
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