The tree

I don't think there is anyone who loves their Christmas tree more than I do. Each year, I search for the most perfect tree that can be found - trying to find one that's been sustainably grown and cared for with love. Often failing in my quest for the non-chemically treated, but each year promising the next, that I will begin that research early so I can abide. What keeps me going back is in the knowing that even though she was cut down just for me, that another tree will be planted in her place.

I'm not sure when I started this love affair, but I know as a child, I begged each year to leave the tree up until my birthday at the end of January.

Each day that the tree is in the house, I spend time thanking it, loving it, admiring it's beauty, grateful for it's presence, it's existence for all those years cleaning the air and then spending it's final days just existing for me. Every time I water her, I hear her exhale a thank you. Each time I inhale her smell, she is grateful that she is loved. Some days, I hug her. Admiring the twinkling lights, the reflections of the ornaments, the sparkling glow of the branches. Every day that she is here, I do this in secret.

I may be a little overboard, but if I am taking her life for my enjoyment, I feel as I owe her to be loved and appreciated.

It saddens me, that this is the end of life for her, but is it really? From here, she will go on to be composted and return to the Earth from which she came. Her journey through life is much like ours. It's a cycle. My only hope is all of you feel the same love that I impart upon her each day while she is in my home. I hope you are capable of receiving the love and also capable of knowing that you are worthy of it.

Continue to allow your hearts to open in the coming year. You are capable of more than you think. You are stronger than you know. And you are loved beyond measure.

Are you capable of receiving this abundance of love? What's holding you back?

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