Two days after my husband Ron put up the Christmas decorations, we were surprised to find our projector, which beautifully illuminated our house in red and green, had gone missing from our lawn.
Ron adorning our palm tree with lights, placing candy canes around the house and topping it all off with the projected lights, meant more than just creating a festive look for our house. It was a heartfelt effort on Ron’s part to infuse the Christmas Spirit into our home, a sentiment we’ve been reaching for amid various lows and challenges — Ron dealing with health issues, one of our cars out of commission, us grieving those in heaven we wish were here, and the realization that this Christmas is our son’s last one as a kid (he’s a high school senior, gearing up for college next year).
When Ron and I realized our projector had been stolen, we felt violated and disconnected from the world.
Rather than succumbing to anger, I purposefully allowed the impact of the event to settle within me over the course of a few days—five minutes here, ten minutes there—examining it from various perspectives.
Was this karma at play? No, I didn’t believe so. While I have most certainly done things I’m not proud of, I’m not convinced that getting my Christmas decorations swiped falls into this category.
Could this incident have a bigger story attached to it? Absolutely. Maybe the money gained from selling the projector served as a week’s worth of food for a family in need, or perhaps it allowed the person who stole it to brighten their own home with festive lights for their kids.
Could I empathize with the person who took the lights? Yes. I remembered a few indiscretions from my youth when I shoplifted. And although I learned my lessons and I’ve never engaged in theft as an adult, I could easily place myself in that person’s shoes. After all, I’ve experienced financial hardship and a sense of lack, desperation and jealousy that perhaps motivated their actions.
As I delved deeper into contemplation and curiosity, the absence of attachment to the situation found its way to me.
A few days after the theft, some of our outdoor lights that had been strung up on the house went out. I wasn’t aware of this until Ron mentioned it during a walk. Ron told me at first he wasn’t going to fix the lights because he was feeling bah humbug about the projector. But, after some thought, he made the decision not to let the tough stuff triumph.
It’s been a week since our projector got stolen. Ron and I are feeling lighter, brighter, and closer than ever, thanks to the way we’ve decided to navigate this challenge and others.
Remember, it’s not what happens to you, but how you react that matters.
This holiday season, Ron and I extend our heartfelt wishes that you move through your challenges with love and light. In doing so, may you uncover a deeper sense of joy, peace, and connection.
Happy holidays.
PS – Here’s an affirmation to use when things around you are feeling tough, ‘The world is happening for me, not to me.’
PPS – Seeking a more festive Holiday Spirit vibe? Grab your pen and journal. Clarify the mood you desire for the holidays. Do you envision laughter and a bustling crowd? Is it a season of giving back or a special time for personal reflection and unhurried moments?
Define the essence you crave and unleash your creativity to bring that feeling to life. While attaining everything exactly as you wish may not be feasible—perhaps your sister can’t visit from California, or budget constraints exist—brainstorm ways to kindle the Holiday Spirit within. Shift your focus from external factors to internal ones, recognizing your ability to discover your inner light regardless of what is happening around you. It’s about tapping into your power to illuminate the holiday season feeling, regardless of what unfolds around you.
