All Hallows Eve

Welcome my witches and warlocks, tonight we celebrate the eve of the Dead.

Some words of caution the dark night.

The vail between the worlds is lifted and they walk amongst us.

Lost loved ones return, and we all dance together. 

Oh what a wonderful treat this is. 

But beware of the ones who sneak behind the good. They are malicious and evil. 

These ghouls are to be avoided at all costs, lest they drag you to the land of the dead this auspicious night.

Keep those you love near with a picture so dear, and offer them food from your table.

Take heed the warnings, and keep the firelight burning.

A candle for those you love and one in an empty gourd to frighten evil away. 

Sweets for all who ask this night, and tricks for any who cause a fright.

Take warning if a broom may fall, company is comming for one and all.

Pour salt on your doorstep, to seal in the good.

Prevent the ghosts of evil from scratching at your head.

Wear cloth of foreign make to distract all who take,

the living from life, and cut the orange gourd deeply,

to make a horrific sight.

Take heed all of these and laugh and dance,

For now you live amounst the dead, that cannot touch your life.

Happy Halloween, my ghosts and goblins.

I have attached this site for your amusement, a little treat from me to you.

http://www.wtfcostumes.com/

Surviving the Holidays- Happy Thanksgiving!

I would like to wish all of you, a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving weekend here in Canada. It is with the changing of the seasons that brings pause and reflection. How are we doing in our lives? 

What are we doing with our lives? Are we successful? Are we healthy? Are we happy or in love?

This coming together of families and friends, can also add extra stress, that is not always able to be avoided. Never fear, you can survive the holidays. By taking a step back from situations. 

Keeping in touch with emotions and stressful thoughts that occur by journaling or talking to a sympathetic ear.

This will help in putting these thoughts and emotions in perspective. 

Some of you may know this already, but I have struggled with an eating disorder for over 16 years, and have been in recovery for just over 1 year 

now. So I can understand that holidays for many can be stressful. I would like to share some tips, that mirror- mirror.org( an eating disorder support website) has posted to help survive the holidays.

I think they bode well for everyone.

Make a list of things you can do to help relax and distract yourself from the feelings of fullness after a big meal. e.g. go for a walk, take a bath, read, visit a friend, go for a drive, etc.

• Have the phone numbers of friends and crisis lines available to you.
• If you have to be at a function with certain people who make you uncomfortable, plan ways to excuse yourself from their immediate presence.
• Try not to count calories and try to avoid the scale.
• It is only normal to eat more during the holidays. Most people do and it really is okay.
• Prepare responses to make to people who may say something to you that would make you uncomfortable.
• If you feel you need to, set some boundaries for yourself by telling people ahead of time that you do not want anyone to comment on your appearance or your eating.
• Be sure to plan some time for yourself to do something that you enjoy. It is very important to take special care of yourself during the holidays

.http://www.mirror-mirror.org/holiday.htm

Another tip I always find useful is to have an advocate with you. Could be a parent or sibling or spouse. Someone who you can talk to if you are feeling overwhelmed and come up with an action plan. My favorite is a secret signal, that I use with them, to change the topic. 

Also works when Uncle Harry goes on about fishing too long.

It is one day, the day will pass like all the others. Be mindful of comparing your life to others when catching up with the family. There are many ways to define success, and you are no better or worse than anyone at that table. We each live our own lives that contain good times and bad, happiness and sorrow. 

Please be kind to yourselves over the holidays and let us all give thanks for the blessings in our lives.