It’s December! The Holiday Season is upon us. Lights, music and the usual trappings of Christmas cheer are already ornamenting our neighborhoods and stores. It’s easy and often very common to fall into the frenzy of shopping, partying and decorating, but let us not forget to breath and take inventory. While Thanksgiving is behind us, “giving thanks” should remain with us through the season, and ideally all year round. I am often reminded (in my line of work) how precious life, health and happiness can be. It’s sobering how fragile those things are and how quickly we could lose them. When I’m weighted down by concerns or troubles, I try to remind myself that “the things that matter” are well, healthy and happy. It puts things in perspective. It makes me feel blessed. Christmas time can be hectic and stressful. Somewhere along the way, a great deal of us got distracted. Our primary concerns were wrapped around money, consumerism, acquiring the latest iphone and social media. We’re all guilty to some degree. This Christmas I’m celebrating “Thanksgiving-Part 2”! I’m thankful for having a healthy child, a happy life and a career that I believe makes a difference in the lives of those I’m blessed to work for. I would encourage anyone feeling stressed to take a look around. A good look around. Breath and take inventory. I promise, doing so will make you feel more blessed than stressed. If you’re dissatisfied with your inventory, make a goal. Start over. Because Christmas also represents the birth of hope. Hope for all mankind through the birth of a precious child. He was a King despite being born in some pretty humble surroundings. Count your blessings. Merry Christmas to everyone. Breath.