People say Christmas is for kids… but now more than ever we are separated from our families. Most of my family is over the border… if they remain closed then my boys won’t see any of their grandparents, aunties, cousins… and my father, who lost his wife, my mother, of 50 years this year, won’t be spending Christmas with his children and grandchildren, including new born number 3, something we are all desperate for.

At this stage, all we can do is wait. So how can we create an abundant mindset with so much uncertainty?

Thinking of all I have and all I am grateful for. I am thankful for my husband and boys, for the beautiful place where we live, our amazing neighbours and friends.  Being well, being able to face-time grandparents every day with the kids so they are able to stay connected. Sending letters and drawings and lollies to loved ones in the post. I am grateful we aren’t locked down. I am grateful we have an income.

But creating an abundant mindset isn’t just about being grateful. Knowing and accepting ourselves is just as important. Our weaknesses as well as our strengths. I love yoga. I’ve done it regularly for 8 years and am reasonably good at it. Not great. I’d like to be more flexible but my hips won’t allow for it. One thing I like about yoga is that you work to your own level. It’s not about competing with your fellow yogi. There is no judgment. I strive to be better, but I know and accept that I won’t ever be a guru. But I still improve, and carry on. I love it, and the community around it.

I know my strengths. I am good at multi-tasking, I’m quite good at drawing, but will never be satisfied and always learning. I’m very good at design. I’m good at observing and listening.

I’m not overly co-ordinated or good at sports. I’m terrified of heights. I have analogue fingers and terrible at tech. But that’s OK – I know what I’m good at, and I’m always willing to learn and upskill, because I know the more skills I have, the more opportunities I create for myself. Not just for my business, but for recreation, for the community, for my family, for everything that is important to me.

I’ve found that changing your point of view is critical to an abundant mindset. I’m no expert. But volunteering for a food van sure made me appreciate everything that I have.

I’m not rich, I’m not famous, but I have a happy life. I think being able to recognise it makes it better. Regardless of border closures I will make sure that my family and neighbours have a happy and abundant Christmas.

This article was originally written for Kiddipediea