Not only is the Winter Solstice the shortest day and longest night but it's also a fantastic time for a mini-life-review.
The 3 days before are great for reviewing the last few months to see what there was to learn, heal and grow from so that we can take what we can thrive on with us and leave the rest behind. The day 'of' is great for reinstating what we are still working on or toward. And the 3 days following are wonderful for setting intentions for our short and longterm personal and global goals. And since it's the end of the year we may also utilize this time for deciding what attitudes, emotions and patterns are no longer serving us so we can leave them behind along with 2017. We can do this anytime but the changing of seasons gives our efforts a boost.
So what is a mini-life-review you might be wondering?
"When you meet anyone, remember it is a holy encounter. As you see him you will see yourself. As you treat him you will treat yourself. As you think of him you will think of yourself. Never forget this, for in him you will find yourself or lose yourself." ~A Course In Miracles
ACIM states it eloquently. Life happens quickly so we might not even think of an encounter as having a "holy" component in the moment. This is one reason why reviews are valuable. Start with the Autumn Equinox and look for the moments for which you are easily grateful. Take half credit for the lovely way others treated you. Don't let it go to your head, but do let these moments sink into your bones and nurture your heart. I always emerge from this review humbled and grateful. How about you?
And as for those times you are not grateful for... yet? Review them too. It's enticing to see ourselves as victims at times but if we choose to shift our perspective and seek the reflection, that same situation can grow us exponentially. I emerge humbled and grateful from receiving the gifts these moments had to offer too. That doesn't mean that I'd necessarily want to repeat these moments, nor do I have to, once I receive their gifts and make the changes inside myself.
Eventually good and bad merely become judgments. What we call 'good' is when the treasure is on the 
surface and what we call 'bad' becomes an X marks-the-spot on our treasure map of life. It just indicates where there is buried treasure so that we can go digging for it.
Our greatest challenges lead to our greatest liberations. It's a choice. I hope you choose it! Let me know if I can be of assistance. I've been complimented on my treasure hunting skills. I'll be letting those moments sink into my bones and nurture my heart if you're looking for me. (You know who you are. Thank you for taking the time. :))
Happy Solstice!
Dr. Trish
Pure gold.
Thank you!