I shared my Grinchy Gripes with you last week. I laid out a strategy for myself to use to keep me out of that space. I have put in the work this past week. Probably the biggest thing I have done is nothing. Nothing? Yes, Nothing! What do I mean by that?

I did not engage in negative Christmas banter. Yes, I do struggle this time of year. Yes, Christmas is not exactly my favorite holiday for various reasons. This, I know: Once I engage in negative Christmas banter, I am a goner. If I engage even just one time, I have given myself permission and then I indulge. Then, the train is rolling, and I can’t stop. Instead, I have stayed in the solution not the problem.

Practicing gratitude rather than attitude.

Yesterday my Christmas came early. Yesterday I received a Gift. My daughter made me cry. My wife and I had an hour-long conversation with her about a host of topics. She was able to come to us and talk to us about personal topics that she is dealing with. I told my daughter that we are grateful that she can come to us and talk and be honest and that she is willing to work on herself at 16. I consider this a parental Victory! After the conversation was over, I ended up in the kitchen with my daughter 1 on 1. We continued our conversation with me continuing to express my gratitude of the situation. Not that my daughter has things to work through just like everyone else, but Joy that our parenting has provided her with the tools to help her grow to adulthood. And I told her how joyful I am yet still in pain because I didn’t get those tools at her age. She looked at me and said, “You did good Dad”. And I cried and we hugged. And she told me there is more to say good but spared me so I wouldn’t keep crying. This is what I strived for people. This is the battle that I fought. The battle was mostly with me. And there are some very special people in my life who helped me along my journey. What a blessing this is. I am happy and I am at peace. I slept well last night. Thank You Jesus!

Believe. Do you believe? Believe in What? I believe. I believe in YOU. I Believe in ME. Believe in yourself. I believe in Jesus. Believing is an ACTION. Even if things don’t turn out the way you want them the first time, you still got to believe.

You have to live it, to receive The Gift.