I love this time of year so much and there are dozens of reasons why. Christmas time elicits so many warm feelings of love and togetherness. My mind is instantly filled with great memories and thoughts. My body just seems to run on happy auto-pilot all the time. I just feel good. People in general just seem to be so much more pleasant. Everybody's energy is so much more peaceful and caring. I constantly wonder how the world would be if everyone would just stay in this peaceful mind frame year round. Wouldn't that just be amazing? I wish. Right? One of the things that I like the most is hearing all the Christmas songs.

Christmas songs bring out feelings of happiness and "good" sadness. For me, I love to sit around and relax and be with family as the classics are played. Singing along with friends and loved ones is amazing. Even songs that remind you of long lost loved ones can bring about helpful emotional releases. You're reminded of your endless love for those people that can't be with you physically, but whose presence is undoubtedly felt spiritually. It is also common to send out prayers to people all around the world who may be hurting or yearning for someone during this sometimes painful couple of weeks.

I can't believe Christmas day is just around the corner. It is here once again. I want to say that I am thankful for all that I have. Diabetes is just a reminder to me everyday that I AM still here and that I have another Christmas to celebrate and enjoy. I am being serious when I say, please give me the strength that I need to eat well, feel good and remain in good health. For the upcoming year of 2008 I wish to continue growing, learning and surviving. Thanks again everybody for allowing me to be a small part of each of your special lives.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. -Andy Bell