Moments and Memories

So this is it - the grand experiment

It's Christmas time and all my money's spent

In every scene there's so much marketing

Trying to make us scream, "I want!"

So what if I start sharing blame for this?

Stop trying to prove that I am more or less

My fashion sense, style and "etiquette"

Well I can't hardly spell that word

I want more time with you

I want hugs that are free

Please don't buy me any thing

Lend a hand, meet a need

I'm buying time to appreciate

All I have, may be cliche'

I want more love and peace

Making moments and memories

It can be tense, when family and friends

Bring baggage in years of experience

We get weighed down by all the bitterness

When freedom comes within forgiveness

Don't get me wrong, we need some boundaries

To have the space and remain healthy

It's never ending this growth and change

Let the good retain our focus

I want more time with you

I want hugs that are free

Please don't buy me any thing

Lend a hand, meet a need

Buying time to appreciate

All I have, may be cliche'

I want more love and peace

Making Moments and memories

Story telling, children laughing

Comfy cuddles on the couch

Music playing while we're cooking

No comparing, free from stress

Let it go and keep on smiling

There is value wrapped in kindness

Happiness is self contentment

Opening gifts with pure intent

I want more time with you

I want hugs that are free

Please don't buy me any thing

Lend a hand, meet a need

Buying time to appreciate

All I have, may be cliche'

Still I want more love and peace

Welcoming authenticity

Light the night with new awareness

Giving love and living peace

Sharing more moments and memories

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I posted these songs lyrics last year around Thanksgiving and want to share this again today with a reminder to spend more time with and less money on those we love this holiday season. 

A friend from college texted today to say that she was mailing me some gifts. She lives twenty minutes away from me and we have not seen each other in a while. In fact, we really need to talk through a misunderstanding. It made me laugh that she would buy me things, but not actually make time to talk to me. I don't have a lot of money and don't want to feel guilty for not buying her anything. I described this as "surburbia syndrome" and that pissed her off even more. We live such different lives and maybe it is time to let this friendship go. I just see things differently and am not so good at faking it. I want to see my friends face to face and if someone is in need, I want to give them a hug and let them know that I love them. 

Some people seem to hide so well behind their texts, emails  and "things" that keep a safe distance. They want to feel better about themselves by keeping up with token gifts and cards. This keeps the card and gift manufacturers in business, but it honestly does very little to truly build and strengthen relationships in my opinion. I guess we all have different love languages. Quality time is what means the most to me. And I am just tired of faking it when I hear things that have been said behind my back. Don't send me a card or gift and think that we are friends. If that makes me the odd one out, then so be it. I want to know who my true friends are and invest my time and energy with them. 

Life is short. Be present and make time for moments and memories in the now with those you truly love and respect this holiday season. 

Live, Give, Love, Laugh, Learn,

Shawna