I can't believe it's the last day of 2013!

As we drove past boulangeries, charcuteries and supermarkets filled with people preparing to buy ingredients for tonight's supper despite the freezing temperature, I enjoyed the enthusiasm in the air watching everyone clutching bottles of champagne while they argued which aperitif to serve this evening.  The three men of the house, my husband, father-in-law, and nephew went about the grocery aisle of L'Eclerc, a massive hypermarket chain popular in their area pushing un chariot - a grocery cart. 

Like a typical gourmande, I was salivating on the oysters and lobsters and smoked salmon and langoustes I can't eat.  I browsed through the wine section for all the bottles I can't drink and perused the large cheese section wondering whether camembert and brie are safe enough to devour even just for this evening.


We have a few days left in France and a quick stop in a discount grocery called Lidl is due. According to my husband, it's a place where one can buy really cheap food and stuff, not necessarily the best in quality but with several known brands, one can't really go wrong.

The concept of learning to say no was not a stranger to me since my previous job. I remember my former superior, Glenn, who taught me its importance. As one might expect, I was stubborn and failed several times. Like a teacher, he reminded me each time and for years, I slowly absorbed the concept.  It was not until 2012 when I had a lot of time in my hands that I realized the value of this. 

During my one year career break, there were lots of time for meditation and realization that throughout my life, I simply grew up unaware that we all have this power, because for many years, saying no meant getting punished. Perhaps sometimes, it's also an admission of weakness, that I wasn't strong enough to fulfill many commitments. There was also a fear of not being liked.

It is not easy as we might think given the technology, we are constantly bombarded with emails, instant messages, phone calls anywhere and anytime. Usually, our response elicits a negative reaction

2013 threw a series of tests. You also must have read previous posts about the Land Hunt Series, here, here and here. 2013 placed me in many situations challenging each time whether I would give in or hold my ground.  

When I learned the value of my time, I turned down invitations from friends and acquaintances if I see it's not n'sync with my priorities at that given moment.  I said no at work when I know I cannot get the job done because there isn't enough time or resources. (Even though I still worked late, the commitment I said yes to was realistic).
When I learned what's important to me, I said no when I can't afford it.
When I embraced my own value, I said no when I think and feel something is not right and fair.

Once I learned what my personal values and priorities are, it was easier to say no and it is 100% guilt free.

I found an article and it is refreshing to read so I thought of sharing it with you- The Gentle Art of Saying No

What was your learning for this year?

Love & Light,

Arni

Some good things have to end to give way to new ones.

During a walk today to buy a baguette at the village centre's boulangerie, the quite sad truth reminded us that this is our last Christmas in my husband's hometown.  As 2013 is coming to a close, changes are waiting for us in the new year.

The family sold their countryside home to build a new one closer to the Atlantic at the heart of the city an hour away from here. Despite the continuous rain throughout the week, I made a vow to make the most of their village as soon as the sun appears and reminisce memories here during many visits.