There are so many holidays around the world this time of year, Christmas, Yuletide, Hanukkah, Boxing Day, and these are only the ones I can remember right now.
This is a great time of year, preparations for a new year and wonderful new events.
Each year there are resolutions. Each year there are self-punishments dished out for not meeting the resolve for change. The thought is not the same as a desire.
Fear blocks change, it is strong, lives in secret, and whispers continuously to you.
When we meet the enemy it is easier to learn understanding, compassion, and find a safer path.
We each have the capacity to meet our enemy, love it, and work with it. Fear is the enemy. It has not been trained to care for self. It is our job to teach Fear how to provide protection without harm.
Learning to listen is simple, not always easy. It means that dedication, commitment, and practice must occur.
The only resolution that should be made is to love self, no matter what. The Divine loves you in all your glory, just as you are. For those of you that believe you are the daughter and son to the Divine, I ask you how can you provide yourself any less?
You do not have to travel this journey alone. Find those who believe in the love of the Divine, who will support you and gently guide you. Not those who punish, condemn, and control.
Believe it or not there are people in this world who understand, will share your journey, not work to make you fit into their mold, and accept you as you are. These people will guide you to learn how to live the same way, in peace and love.
Have a blessed holiday season and a wonderful new year. Birth is upon us. 
Connie S Owens/Kirkpatrick is an ordained minister and a Kundalini/Practical Reiki Master. Connie holds a masters degree in psychology, has 20 years experience working with women and men in early recovery of substance abuse.
Connie resides in Southern California in a small rural community near the border of Mexico. She spends her time researching the latest in alternative healing, spending time with her pets, walking and communing with the world around her.
Connie believes in human rights, we are equal, and have the right to be treated with dignity and fairness. Connie signs and promotes petitions and other activist campaigns that further this belief.
Priestess Connie is her title. One she choose with pride. A priestess is a female version of a priest, one who is authorized to perform ceremonies such as weddings, funerals, baptisms, and other sacred ceremonies.