Rachel Carrington
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Everyone gets asked this question

11/24/2019

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It's that time of the year. Thanksgiving. The day when we're called upon to share what we're thankful for this year. The question gets asked on social media throughout the month, and usually, we can all offer three or more things that we're particularly grateful for. We say we're thankful for the sunshine, but we assume it's going to be there. We're thankful for our jobs, figuring we'll have them until we decide to retire. Usually, we offer our thanks for our family and friends, for love, for our pets, and so much more, but you rarely see one of us post that we're grateful for the money troubles, the flat tires, the days that go from bad to worse. 
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I think we already know the answer to this question. Isn't it difficult to be thankful for the hardships? Even if we've overcome obstacles, we don't appreciate the obstacles themselves. And if we're still in the middle of a battle, we're certainly not thankful for that.  But we should be. Because overcoming obstacles makes us stronger and better people. 

Annabella Hagen, a licensed mental health therapist, in an article for Psych Central wrote: 
Studies regarding oxytocin tell us that this hormone helps us crave for physical contact with our family and friends. It enhances our empathy and helps us support those we care about. Kelly McGonigal, a health psychologist, says that oxytocin also is released when we experience difficulties and stress. She reminds us that oxytocin prompts us to connect with others.

All of us struggle at some point in our lives, but would we really want easy lives where everything went according to plan? Where would the challenge be in that? And if we're not challenged, wouldn't life become boring? Stale? Ken Wert, who runs the website Meant to Be Happy, wrote a wonderful article about being grateful for life's challenges, and in it he said that challenges inspire compassion. Makes sense. If we go through trouble, we'll be better able to understand and sympathize with those who go through something similar. 

As a Trekkie, one of my favorite episodes of the original series is when an alien entity wants to provide everything for those on her planet, leaving them nothing to do. Captain Kirk's response, provided by the incredibly talented writer Gene Coon, is perfect.  
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As the obstacles shape us, give us something to overcome, and provide a sense of accomplishment when we do, why shouldn't we be thankful for them? It's certainly not easy to appreciate hardship, but once we see its necessity, it becomes a little more palatable. 

Happy Thanksgiving! 
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Already in the christmas spirit

10/12/2019

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I won't lie. I get in the Christmas spirit early because it's my favorite holiday inside my favorite season. Give me winter and Christmas tunes, and I'm in heaven! While some people say it's too early to be talking about Christmas, I say it's never too early! I start shopping at the beginning of October, decorate my house on November 1st, and begin watching Christmas movies as soon as Hallmark starts showing them!  

Today, I went shopping for new decorations as some of mine have gotten a bit old. These aren't the best pictures, but I've never claimed to be a photographer! I think my favorite is the Jingle ladies towel! 

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Dear Santa...

12/21/2015

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Dear Santa,

It's that time of the year again! I'm supposed to write out my Christmas list so you'll know just what to put under the tree for me on Christmas morning. Yes, I know I'm a little old for this, but there really isn't an age limit, is there? And since I've been good (mostly), I figured I'd give it a shot. So here goes.

My Christmas List
  • More time to write
  • Patience for the interruptions when I'm writing
  • The guide to getting rich as an author
  • All of the marketing secrets that have yet to be posted on the Internet
  • Overnight success (I know this one is a little late as it's already been many, many overnights!)
  • And finally, big girl panties. I know I'll need them when I don't see the first five things on my list under the tree on December 25th! 
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That's Christmas to Me

12/21/2014

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Have you heard the song by Pentatonix called That's Christmas to Me? (In case you haven't, I've provided the video below.) It's a wonderful song, and I'm sure we all get contemplative at this time of the year. That's why I wanted to list some of the things that mean Christmas to me. 
  • Seeing a Nativity Scene
  • Luke 2:1-20 in the Bible—the Christmas story
  • Spending time with my friends (who are my family)
  • Watching my multitude of nieces and nephews unwrap their gifts
  • Sipping homemade wassail by the fireplace
  • Watching the lights flicker on the Christmas tree
  • Laughing as the cats tear into the discarded wrapping paper
  • Sharing a meal with those who are the closest to my heart
  • And knowing that we get to do this all over again next year!

So what means Christmas to you? 
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Copyright 2022 Rachel Carrington All Rights Reserved
  • Contact​
  • Home
  • About Me
    • Contact Me
    • Fun Facts
    • Favorite Music, TV, Films
  • Blog
  • Books
    • Contemporary Romance >
      • Making Christmas Magic
    • Fantasy Romance >
      • The First Spell
    • Era and Historical Romance >
      • Killer Diamonds
      • Letters to Laura
      • Thirty Days Late
      • The Gangster's Daughter
      • Trusting the Law
    • Paranormal Romance >
      • Keep Our Souls
      • Share Our Souls
      • Souls Divided
      • Still Hungry for Your Love
      • The Spirit Series
      • Unite Our Souls
      • Vampire Cursed
      • Vampire Forgotten
      • Vampire Betrayed
      • Vampire's Fury
      • Vampires Destined
      • Waking Up Immortal
    • Romantic Suspense >
      • Being Lovers
      • Connecting Strangers
      • Extreme Measures
      • Last Showing
      • Sweet Poison
  • Freelance Writing