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Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays! |
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| | I find myself sitting in my office at home, which is warm and spacious and overlooks a series of Southern California Palm Trees. My wife is doing well, my children are growing without a care in the world. The truth is: this year has been really good for our family. We have spent more time together than maybe ever before, had more than enough for our daily needs, and enjoyed each other's company. What more could one ask for?
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Yes, I am well aware that's a picture of privilege in these days of ours.
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As Christmas night approaches, I am both immensely grateful for the year behind us, and acutely aware that reality is not shared by everyone.
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But it should be, shouldn't it?
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So the gratitude in my heart is joined by a note of worry for the world, which plays softly like a lingering violin in the background to remind us that we live in delicate times.
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We are complex beings living in complex times.
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And it is ok to feel happiness even during difficult times.
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In fact, we can probably argue that's it is especially important to feel happiness during difficult times -- because the world needs it. And at the end of the day, it will be us who change this world. So let's start by making sure we are tending to our own happiness and growing our own gratitude. Yes, be aware of others' suffering. Yes, lend a hand where you can. And, yes, if you can, dial up the happiness. All of it is possible.
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So Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! May you find and live in moments of joy this holiday season, holding those you love close in your heart, wherever they may be. And may you make a difference in the world today and in this year to come.
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| Our Road to Damascus now an audiobook! And it is available for download at your favorite audiobook platform -- and just in time for Christmas! ;) (Hint, hint: there's a tip for you, late Christmas shoppers)
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If you are up for bringing me along in your commute, have me join you during your chores, or simply use me as an excuse to avoid seeing those people you don't want to see during the holiday season, then here's your chance. And if you do, I'd love to hear what you think. It definitely took way longer to produce this than I expected.
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Visit danassisi.com/books for a list of retailers in the US and abroad for print, digital, and audio editions.
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|  | | In Case You Missed ItUpcoming Events Join me for these planned upcoming events:
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- Jan 4: Moral Lessons From Science (Münster, Germany - Virtual)
- Jan 29: The Miracle of Happiness at AKSSMA (Malden, MA - In-Person and Virtual)
- Jan 30: Topic TBD at GETUH (Marlborough, MA - In-Person)
- Jan 30: Topic TBD at FEALMA (North Chelmsford, MA - In-Person)
- March 21: Topic TBD at CEFA (Miami, FL - Virtual)
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