by Julian Cortez

When the holidays approach I get a stomach ache and mild to severe panic attacks. Is it just me or is this something we all experience but just don’t talk about it because we’re too busy being festive? As a society we have lost sight of the true meaning of the holidays. Instead the focus is on black Thursday and Friday, how we can we spend more for less, cybersales which further isolates us as a community, and with all this holiday cheer comes STRESS, STRESS and more STRESS. Then, I think about a person who inspires me. He appears to be an ordinary man, not a Gandhi, Buddha, or

Jesus Christ. Although these voices speech through him. He appears to be in his late 50’s, wears a white beard and a white turban on his head. He walks with one leg and the other wrapped around a tall walking stick. I have witnessed him with patience and perseverance walk up two flights of stairs in the morning and down two flights of stairs in the evening. He always has a smile on his face regardless of his circumstances. His aura is one of peace, calmness, and resolve. He is always the last person off the train and down the stairs allowing the crowd to rush past him. The last time I saw him I told him that he inspired me. He quite didn’t understand. His humble manner allowed me to explain. I told him that when ever I felt down or felt life wasn’t going as planned I thought about him.

His gentle, strong spirit helps me to change my perspective about life and I begin to mediate on the goodness in my life. He was surprised by my story and all he could say was “Thank you”, with a smile that radiated from his toes and could lite up a dark hallway.

I shook his hand and we walked down the stairs together, my son held the door for him. I guess because this six year old sensed a presence about him. What was that? I think about that interaction and felt changed. My thoughts are one of Gratitude.

Thanksgiving and Christmas means something completely different to me now. I realized on a deeper level that possessions don’t make you rich and that I don’t need one day to be thankful.

I should be thankful everyday to be alive. I should be thankful that I have my health, we have food, a nice home to live in, and the ability to pay my bills with something extra. I am thankful that I can kiss my son and I can feel his hug and kiss. Maybe this interaction with this man was meant to remind me about all the things in my life that are good. What inspired you this holiday season? What kept you sober and emotionally safe? Sometimes we have to pause and remind ourselves that our lives are ok or will be ok. The universe sends us signs or people to remind us.