What I'm asking you to do is to reach deep down inside yourself, your heart, soul, or whatever you call that special place, and discover what it is you really want this holiday season to mean for you. So, stop, right now. Close your eyes, and lean back in your chair. What is first thing that comes up for you?

One way, but by no means only way, you can look at holiday intentions is to remember back to some of best times you've ever had. What were feelings about those times that made them so very special? Are any of those feelings ones you'd like to experience this season? Or is there another, different purpose or feeling you'd like to have?

If you're absolutely drawing a blank, here are some ideas for holiday intentions that might get you started on your own:

• reconnect with (family, friends, world, Divine Being...) • discover (joy, beauty, wonder...) in (small things, life, myself...) • let go of (negativity, stress, anger, suffering, hate...) • honor (my body, my values, others...) • celebrate (beauty, life, laughter, family,...) • laugh, love, and live (life, in moment,...)

So my request of you is that you take some time, this week - today, preferably - and set your intentions for this holiday season. Write them out. Then make several copies of them, and stash them in places where you'll see them frequently throughout next few weeks. Let them remind you that this season is about joy, love, celebration, and beauty, instead of stress, hurry, and rush. And take some time to just be.

NOTE: You're welcome to use this article online in electronic newsletters and e-zines as long as it remains complete and unaltered (including "about author" info at end). If use of this article is desired in print, you must first contact Lynn Cutts at Lynn@ManageYourMuse.com.

Copyright 2004 Lynn Cutts

Suddenly, as I make turn, I am struck by a humbling sight. Facing me, arms pumping runs a young man with one leg glittering in sun. The metal shank is attached to his thigh. A thin aluminum calf leads to a metal foot curved like a rocker. He is oblivious to anyone who passes him. He is running his own race at his own pace.

I slow down, take his lesson, and resume my 1-2-3-4 mantra. Lesson learned, smack between eyes. How many times do we let others set pace, ignoring our own goals, our abilities? How many times do we judge our success or our failure by what others have done?

I finish despite pain in my knee. Way behind silver-haired lady. Well behind 7 year-old. Ahead of sleek bodied teenager. It doesn't matter. It is my race, at my pace. And it is a great day for race-the human race.

(c) 2004, McDargh Communications. All rights in all media reserved. Reprints must include byline, contact information and copyright.