My annual reflection at Christmas and for the new Year 2016
(English version)
by
Xiomara J. Pages
December
25, 2015
Since
1985 or 1987 ( I don't remember exactly when did I start to do so) but it was after buying our first House with many efforts and
sacrifices. There was no money left for anything else, and I wanted to take that
opportunity to finally disconnect
myself from Commercialism, I devote
myself to celebrate the real
Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and only to give small gifts to the children
(at that time, my own children and my niece and nephew).
Many
celebrate the coming of Santa Claus bringing gifts to children and adults. Christians know that St. Nicholas, was a generous Saint who died martyred for
professing his faith, although
a Coca-Cola advertising
campaign showed him to us as
a big belly and smiling old
guy, flying from the North Pole with a sled through the skies and he barely
fits through the chimney. But it doesn't matter, We still cook
meals and manage to gather the family around the table. Even
those who don't believe in God nor realize the true meaning of Christmas, are doing what Jesus wanted us to practice, ' love one another. '
This
year has been difficult in many ways. My life has almost
never been easy, but I've tried to always live with optimism, faith and hope... Giving my best... with a genuine love for everyone, whether it is on a visit, a meeting, a meal
or a conversation, or one
of our 'Tertulia de Xio' monthly, or attending
many cultural and artistic events where I am invited as a
journalist and friend, or giving FREE HUGS
twice a year in the streets of Miami, and many, many
things more. My life is not boring, I can assure you.
I've
always put my family first (my children,
grandchildren, siblings, niece and nephew) . I have tried to objectively highlight the good
qualities of everyone, and I have advised more than criticized them, because with our children mainly, we have to let them live their own lives, and
that they themselves reach the conclusions
they must arrive at each stage. As our grandparents used to say, "nobody gets experience by someone else'
life."
To
my Friends, I give them love as always, without folds, authentic, sincere, with all my heart. Sometimes I give them their space, to not
overwhelm them, or to not overwhelm me. That's the
balance in everything in life: to know
when to tie, and
when to let go, since no one
is owned by nobody.
This
year that is ending,
I tried to apply a
new principle to my life, that is never
to take anything personal. . I've
failed at times, but I think I have achieved some success. Many times, what we believe has been said or done against us, is nothing more than
the resentment of that person against himself, and he or
she project it against others. I still have much to learn in
this area, but I've made a little progress.
I
have laughed and I have been happy with the triumphs and achievements of others,
I have recognized their sacrifices and
efforts to achieve their dreams and goals. I have cried with those who have lost a loved
one, especially with mothers who have lost children, or have them on a sick
bed. I've realized that maybe, that kiss or hug, that caress or look, a word or
a photo, in every meeting or reunion, it
may be the last.
I can't do more than
what I can, and I must accept
it, and make others who expect too much from me, to understand it. I am
not a heroine, or a Super Woman, I'm human like everyone else. I give myself permission to cry and laugh, to be happy or sad, to complain, to be angry, and to know that in
spite of it all, in the end, all will be well,
because God is in charge and He is good.
This
year I have learned that some battles are useless, and others have had to be
fought so that we be respected. I've
lost some, and I've won others, but in all, I have not lost my inner
peace. As Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis said, on
one of his last interviews, when asked what had been her main achievement in life, and she gently
replied, "not losing my sanity."
Some
who promised to help me until the end, left me half way on the road.
Many others have supported me and are
still by my side. New friendships come and join my
mission of love. I am still in Facebook,
and
became part of a
beautiful group of distinguished ladies, "El Club de las Cotorritas" (Club of the Lady Parakeets), on which we all grow in filial love, humor, and wisdom; I'm still
writing articles in my Blog, (http://xiomaraopina.blogspot.com/)
not like an obsession, but because I am a writer and journalist, and as
such, I feel the need to bring love and hope to others, a real mission, since
God expects that we florish where we are planted, and love
our neighbor. I am therefore, with logical precautions, blessing the social networks and the internet, since with
them, I
am in continuous improvement to be a better human being and to learn a lot, since technologies are not, but the heart and the intentions of those who
use them, which can hurt.
I've
forgiven and they have forgiven me, always giving priority to my values, and
leaving behind grudges and resentments, which weigh too much
and take the space for things more beautiful and positive, and they won't let us fly with a light luggage
for life.
I
have sold many things from clothes, shoes,
to all kinds of articles from my
home, that were no longer necessary, and instead they were useful to others. Every day I live
with fewer things, and what little I have, I need it much
less.
Finally
had my health insurance for the elderly (Medicare) to take care of my health, which was forgotten for years without proper
care. They have done me surgeries and treatments. I watch my levels of sugar, cholesterol, and heart. I go to my doctors of chiropractic medicine,
to keep my back with less pain and less
pain killers. I insist to my doctors, that I don't like taking many
pills nor chemicals unless they are
absolutely necessary, and on the other hand, I trust natural remedies whenever
possible.
I
am still writing my fifth book, about senior years, that I left aside at the
beginning of my divorce. Perhaps, as one
friend told me (Chilean writer Luis
Seguel Vorpahl), "Books let us know
when they want to be written or published." At this age, and with the experience gained, I can talk about what I know with much
more certainty.
I
gained a bit of weight, and other wrinkles appeared, as some aches and pains, my
body is aging, and is tired with the vicissitudes of life, so I should
exercise more physically. On the other
hand, the spirit is rejuvenated every day. I try to
feed myself with
more healthier foods, and I notice the good
results on medical tests. But I
also feed my inner child, not to lose the awe for life. I sing, dance, do
pirouettes, play games, I climb trees and try new experiences. In all of this, my granddaughter Bianca Sofia
who is almost 5 years old, helps me a lot.
I
enjoy all kinds of Arts, Theatre,
Cinema, Music, Paintings and
Sculpture. I love to read and communicate. I write as if I can breathe with it. And
I am a happy person, despite everything.
My
daughter Sandra is still here with me, against the medical odds, and that is a
miracle I cannot ignore. She gives me
strength with her tender and innocent smile every morning. I have the help of her nannies, love and care for her and
they help me immensely in this
work of love.
And
I'm still in my life, I repeat, trying to keep the peace despite all the
setbacks and pains, because to have inner peace
is something that
elegant people do , I have heard out
there. The Elegance
of having the grace of giving and receiving, and be
always thankful. I see everyone with empathy and with a smile,
because
I do not think I am the only one who suffers, and
with my experience
I can make slightest the suffering
of others.
Friends,
I hope that everyone can find
in the coming year, what is our
mission, our passion, what we like and we can carry out our dreams and goals. If we are not happy, we will not make happy those around us, because happiness does not
depend on no one but ourselves.
That
the world be better because each of us is here. Let's try to find at
least five good things in every one of
the people we have in our lives. Let's
be authentic, as there is already too much hypocrisy in the world. Rejoice with others, enjoy their
triumphs and successes,
as if they were yours, because there is already too much envy. Let's
be the ones who are sowing harmony and peace, as there
are already
too many wars.
Let's be loyal and faithful, since there are too many betrayals.
Communicate
the love that you feel, say it and
prove it. Do not be afraid. Share your
strength, your personality, your values, your character, let them know who you are
in reality, since there are plenty of
masks and disguises . It is much easier
to tell the truth than to lie
all the time, at the end,
many will realize that you lie,
and you only deceived yourself. Look no further outside,
what you need you already
have and you've always had inside you.
Travel within
yourself, those are usually the deepest
and longest trips, and the ones who cost us much more. Ask
your family and friends in what you make the difference in their lives. And
tell them how they have helped you in yours.
Let us remember our childhood and
our history, and give ourselves
a pat on the shoulder, an applause, for having surpassed and overcome
so many obstacles. And do not be
careless with your true
friends. Do not generalize when one has hurt you, it would not be fair with the majority who is always by your side.
Do not
complicate Life, make it simple, honest, easy, and
you will live better and for much
longer. Leave an imprint, a legacy for future generations. Create
memories and remembrances, and whenever
possible always take a photo, a
video, so that you remember that day, that moment forever, since our minds sometimes modify or distort the facts
every time we remember it or
talk about it. That way, you will remember
exactly what took place, and "to
remember is to live again." In addition, when you die you'll
take away all your memories with
you, and you won't be able to leave them
with your loved ones, unless you've
written them, or you
have handy that picture or video which marked
the occasion. Maybe you've spoken about those memories, but they will lose its accuracy, without
a picture or video, since each
one will tell the story their way.
Everyone
talks about resolutions for the new year. I try
not to write too many, to be
objective. I write on a sheet of paper,
my requests and goals, dreams and desires, especially with my offspring, children and grandchildren,
other close family members, and my friends. I also
write praises and gratitude for wishes fulfilled so that they remain.
I fold my page and keep it each December 31, within my Bible or insiede a little pyramid that
someone gave me once. Between lit candles and incense, I meditate in
silence, say prayers, and do not return to see that page, until the next
December 31.
Then,
many times I am surprised to read one year later, how much God and Life have granted me in
the year just ended. Other times, I sadden by those that were not possible, and even by people
we have lost in that year, or failures and errors that I wanted to improve and
I have failed, but in all, I always thank God for another year of life and experiences. And I continue trying to improve every year.
So
I wish you all the best Christmas, since God
is not only born today, but every day in the Manger of
our hearts, and I
hope that the coming year brings you health, joy, welfare,
love and forgiveness... and comfort and
relief to those who suffer from both loss and disease.
The
best for 2016 !!! God bless you.
XIO
by
Xiomara J. Pages
December
25, 2015
Since
1985 or 1987 ( I don't remember exactly when did I start to do so) but it was after buying our first House with many efforts and
sacrifices. There was no money left for anything else, and I wanted to take that
opportunity to finally disconnect
myself from Commercialism, I devote
myself to celebrate the real
Christmas, the birth of Jesus, and only to give small gifts to the children
(at that time, my own children and my niece and nephew).
Many
celebrate the coming of Santa Claus bringing gifts to children and adults. Christians know that St. Nicholas, was a generous Saint who died martyred for
professing his faith, although
a Coca-Cola advertising
campaign showed him to us as
a big belly and smiling old
guy, flying from the North Pole with a sled through the skies and he barely
fits through the chimney. But it doesn't matter, We still cook
meals and manage to gather the family around the table. Even
those who don't believe in God nor realize the true meaning of Christmas, are doing what Jesus wanted us to practice, ' love one another. '
This
year has been difficult in many ways. My life has almost
never been easy, but I've tried to always live with optimism, faith and hope... Giving my best... with a genuine love for everyone, whether it is on a visit, a meeting, a meal
or a conversation, or one
of our 'Tertulia de Xio' monthly, or attending
many cultural and artistic events where I am invited as a
journalist and friend, or giving FREE HUGS
twice a year in the streets of Miami, and many, many
things more. My life is not boring, I can assure you.
I've
always put my family first (my children,
grandchildren, siblings, niece and nephew) . I have tried to objectively highlight the good
qualities of everyone, and I have advised more than criticized them, because with our children mainly, we have to let them live their own lives, and
that they themselves reach the conclusions
they must arrive at each stage. As our grandparents used to say, "nobody gets experience by someone else'
life."
To
my Friends, I give them love as always, without folds, authentic, sincere, with all my heart. Sometimes I give them their space, to not
overwhelm them, or to not overwhelm me. That's the
balance in everything in life: to know
when to tie, and
when to let go, since no one
is owned by nobody.
This
year that is ending,
I tried to apply a
new principle to my life, that is never
to take anything personal. . I've
failed at times, but I think I have achieved some success. Many times, what we believe has been said or done against us, is nothing more than
the resentment of that person against himself, and he or
she project it against others. I still have much to learn in
this area, but I've made a little progress.
I
have laughed and I have been happy with the triumphs and achievements of others,
I have recognized their sacrifices and
efforts to achieve their dreams and goals. I have cried with those who have lost a loved
one, especially with mothers who have lost children, or have them on a sick
bed. I've realized that maybe, that kiss or hug, that caress or look, a word or
a photo, in every meeting or reunion, it
may be the last.
I can't do more than
what I can, and I must accept
it, and make others who expect too much from me, to understand it. I am
not a heroine, or a Super Woman, I'm human like everyone else. I give myself permission to cry and laugh, to be happy or sad, to complain, to be angry, and to know that in
spite of it all, in the end, all will be well,
because God is in charge and He is good.
This
year I have learned that some battles are useless, and others have had to be
fought so that we be respected. I've
lost some, and I've won others, but in all, I have not lost my inner
peace. As Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis said, on
one of his last interviews, when asked what had been her main achievement in life, and she gently
replied, "not losing my sanity."
Some
who promised to help me until the end, left me half way on the road.
Many others have supported me and are
still by my side. New friendships come and join my
mission of love. I am still in Facebook,
and
became part of a
beautiful group of distinguished ladies, "El Club de las Cotorritas" (Club of the Lady Parakeets), on which we all grow in filial love, humor, and wisdom; I'm still
writing articles in my Blog, (http://xiomaraopina.blogspot.com/)
not like an obsession, but because I am a writer and journalist, and as
such, I feel the need to bring love and hope to others, a real mission, since
God expects that we florish where we are planted, and love
our neighbor. I am therefore, with logical precautions, blessing the social networks and the internet, since with
them, I
am in continuous improvement to be a better human being and to learn a lot, since technologies are not, but the heart and the intentions of those who
use them, which can hurt.
I've
forgiven and they have forgiven me, always giving priority to my values, and
leaving behind grudges and resentments, which weigh too much
and take the space for things more beautiful and positive, and they won't let us fly with a light luggage
for life.
I
have sold many things from clothes, shoes,
to all kinds of articles from my
home, that were no longer necessary, and instead they were useful to others. Every day I live
with fewer things, and what little I have, I need it much
less.
Finally
had my health insurance for the elderly (Medicare) to take care of my health, which was forgotten for years without proper
care. They have done me surgeries and treatments. I watch my levels of sugar, cholesterol, and heart. I go to my doctors of chiropractic medicine,
to keep my back with less pain and less
pain killers. I insist to my doctors, that I don't like taking many
pills nor chemicals unless they are
absolutely necessary, and on the other hand, I trust natural remedies whenever
possible.
I
am still writing my fifth book, about senior years, that I left aside at the
beginning of my divorce. Perhaps, as one
friend told me (Chilean writer Luis
Seguel Vorpahl), "Books let us know
when they want to be written or published." At this age, and with the experience gained, I can talk about what I know with much
more certainty.
I
gained a bit of weight, and other wrinkles appeared, as some aches and pains, my
body is aging, and is tired with the vicissitudes of life, so I should
exercise more physically. On the other
hand, the spirit is rejuvenated every day. I try to
feed myself with
more healthier foods, and I notice the good
results on medical tests. But I
also feed my inner child, not to lose the awe for life. I sing, dance, do
pirouettes, play games, I climb trees and try new experiences. In all of this, my granddaughter Bianca Sofia
who is almost 5 years old, helps me a lot.
I
enjoy all kinds of Arts, Theatre,
Cinema, Music, Paintings and
Sculpture. I love to read and communicate. I write as if I can breathe with it. And
I am a happy person, despite everything.
My
daughter Sandra is still here with me, against the medical odds, and that is a
miracle I cannot ignore. She gives me
strength with her tender and innocent smile every morning. I have the help of her nannies, love and care for her and
they help me immensely in this
work of love.
And
I'm still in my life, I repeat, trying to keep the peace despite all the
setbacks and pains, because to have inner peace
is something that
elegant people do , I have heard out
there. The Elegance
of having the grace of giving and receiving, and be
always thankful. I see everyone with empathy and with a smile,
because
I do not think I am the only one who suffers, and
with my experience
I can make slightest the suffering
of others.
Friends,
I hope that everyone can find
in the coming year, what is our
mission, our passion, what we like and we can carry out our dreams and goals. If we are not happy, we will not make happy those around us, because happiness does not
depend on no one but ourselves.
That
the world be better because each of us is here. Let's try to find at
least five good things in every one of
the people we have in our lives. Let's
be authentic, as there is already too much hypocrisy in the world. Rejoice with others, enjoy their
triumphs and successes,
as if they were yours, because there is already too much envy. Let's
be the ones who are sowing harmony and peace, as there
are already
too many wars.
Let's be loyal and faithful, since there are too many betrayals.
Communicate
the love that you feel, say it and
prove it. Do not be afraid. Share your
strength, your personality, your values, your character, let them know who you are
in reality, since there are plenty of
masks and disguises . It is much easier
to tell the truth than to lie
all the time, at the end,
many will realize that you lie,
and you only deceived yourself. Look no further outside,
what you need you already
have and you've always had inside you.
Travel within
yourself, those are usually the deepest
and longest trips, and the ones who cost us much more. Ask
your family and friends in what you make the difference in their lives. And
tell them how they have helped you in yours.
Let us remember our childhood and
our history, and give ourselves
a pat on the shoulder, an applause, for having surpassed and overcome
so many obstacles. And do not be
careless with your true
friends. Do not generalize when one has hurt you, it would not be fair with the majority who is always by your side.
Do not
complicate Life, make it simple, honest, easy, and
you will live better and for much
longer. Leave an imprint, a legacy for future generations. Create
memories and remembrances, and whenever
possible always take a photo, a
video, so that you remember that day, that moment forever, since our minds sometimes modify or distort the facts
every time we remember it or
talk about it. That way, you will remember
exactly what took place, and "to
remember is to live again." In addition, when you die you'll
take away all your memories with
you, and you won't be able to leave them
with your loved ones, unless you've
written them, or you
have handy that picture or video which marked
the occasion. Maybe you've spoken about those memories, but they will lose its accuracy, without
a picture or video, since each
one will tell the story their way.
Everyone
talks about resolutions for the new year. I try
not to write too many, to be
objective. I write on a sheet of paper,
my requests and goals, dreams and desires, especially with my offspring, children and grandchildren,
other close family members, and my friends. I also
write praises and gratitude for wishes fulfilled so that they remain.
I fold my page and keep it each December 31, within my Bible or insiede a little pyramid that
someone gave me once. Between lit candles and incense, I meditate in
silence, say prayers, and do not return to see that page, until the next
December 31.
Then,
many times I am surprised to read one year later, how much God and Life have granted me in
the year just ended. Other times, I sadden by those that were not possible, and even by people
we have lost in that year, or failures and errors that I wanted to improve and
I have failed, but in all, I always thank God for another year of life and experiences. And I continue trying to improve every year.
So
I wish you all the best Christmas, since God
is not only born today, but every day in the Manger of
our hearts, and I
hope that the coming year brings you health, joy, welfare,
love and forgiveness... and comfort and
relief to those who suffer from both loss and disease.
The
best for 2016 !!! God bless you.
XIO
