“I Pray for a Better Christmas for Everyone”

Last year we had some very difficult times here in Puerto Rico. With Hurricane Maria hitting us a couple months before Christmas last year it was difficult, to say the least. And this year my mother passed away and I do miss her… I used to call her every single day… she will be missed at Christmas.

In fact, last year about Christmas time our big mall was open… but there was not much on the shelves for anyone to buy. For all the merchandise was in transit and nothing was getting to the stores.

But the mall was filled with people trying to stay cool because it was extremely hot, and most people didn’t have electricity. I remember everyone was trying to recharge their phones and laptops at the mall so they could keep in touch with loved ones and friends in the states. And there was a sense of heaviness that you could feel. Everyone was trying to do their best during a difficult time and have a smile on their face during a time of adversity.

And my wife and I were taking food, water, and toiletries to lots of people on the island who lost everything. And I mean they lost everything including their homes. And there were people who only had one small room to live in… the rest of their house was destroyed.

But this year things are a bit more upbeat. People are feeling better and most of the island has power now… not all… but most. And most people are back to themselves and thinking about better times.

Perhaps that’s our great power… our power of resilience… our power to overcome and focus on the good things no matter what happens. Our ability to let go the past and allow the future to unfold accordingly. If we dwelled on the past we never move forward. And if we dwell on the negative we never move forward. Yes, it’s good to be grounded in the here-and-now, it’s super important otherwise we become lost.

I see a lot of people who dwell on the negative all the time, and they have lots of physical ailments and health challenges. Every single negative thought changes our physical chemistry creating stress. And that stress chemistry creates inflammation, and that inflammation creates diseases and even changes our DNA… this is science now. As an individual or as a country as a whole it’s important that we dwell on the good… and not allow the past to keep us prisoner.

But at this time, I know there are lots of people who are suffering in the world right now. And it’s important we pray for them and send love and energy their way. And ask God to help them… and it’s up to us to do what we can do to make a difference in the world every single day.

And thus I pray for a better Christmas and Holiday Season for You, Your Family, and Everyone in the World.

Many Blessings My Friends

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to Everyone!

Dr. Paul Haider