Reality Rally

At this time of year, all of our thoughts go out to so many different people, for so many different reasons.

 Before the blog starts I would like to say a heartfelt thanks to Taryn Murphy for writing our December blog. Every now and then one meets a most remarkable young person who you know immediately....” has got IT !!! Taryn has “got IT” Taryn has blogged for us for the past few years. Read more about Taryn http://realityrally.com/about/blog/700-introducing-reality-rally-s-new-blogger

Now over to Taryn.

I spoke with Gillian on the phone this morning to chat, talk about holiday lights, and hear her thoughts on her hopes and wishes for this holiday season.
At this time of year, all of our thoughts go out to so many different people, for so many different reasons. Gillian’s go out to everyone reading this (and even those who aren’t) to wish them love and peace in their lives.
We all get caught up in buying and giving which is great for business but keep in mind what Mother Teresa said. “It's not how much we give but how much love we put into giving.”

Whatever it is that you have to enjoy this season--family, friends, church programs, light festivals, new traditions we have made with our nuclear family and old traditions that come with us from our past.
Gillian hopes that you cherish all that you create and build every year and treasure these moments as they happen and soak it all in. Cherish the joy we see in our children who feel the magic of the season, enjoy all the sights and sounds all around and love what we do have. There is joy and happiness all around.

However, she knows that many people are also struggling this time of year. Perhaps you are missing someone at your dining room table who has been with you in your lives and now they are no longer there. So many couples have split custody of their children so the kids are at the table of whose turn it is. So many people have moved from their country of birth and all the traditions they have had and it is now different. Many have moved due to job changes and so much changes for the family.  Many have lost a good friend, a job, a friendship or relationship due to some issue hard to reslove and many have lost a pet. For many it might be a loss due to getting old, a loss of independance or having to give up a practice due to age. 

You might have someone dear to you serving overseas or far from home, who won’t be walking through the front door on Christmas Eve, Hanukkah or New Year’s Day. Whatever major loss you may have had this year, or anytime in your life, Gillian shares your grief--these are hardships you don’t get over, you just get through.
“It’s not all happiness for a lot of people,” Gillian said, reminiscing about the pressure during the holiday season to be constantly happy and upbeat. “So many losses that come to roost at this time of the year when people are expected to be happy.”
So to those who are happy, Gillian says, be happy! And to those who are particularly struggling, her thoughts are with you.

Finally, Gillian sends her love and gratitude to everyone in her life--her family, friends, acquaintances--and to everyone who has contributed to Reality Rally. “I can’t believe the amount of people who have come to help giving of their time,talents,products and services and all do it out of the goodness of their heart knowing they make a difference in so many ways and mainly for Michelle’s Place with the funds that are raised having fun.,”

So, thank you, thank you, thank you! From Gillian and from all of us here at Reality Rally. We hope that you find peace, love, and joy this holiday season. As Gillian so aptly put it, “If we can only have peace in our own hearts, then maybe world peace will eventually follow.”
Below we’ve included a video, sung by Stacey Krause and Aaron Crane at the annual Jacob’s House Candlelight Vigil and recorded by Gillian. Enjoy!
-Taryn Murphy

video here