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Our InnerSelf welcomes your inner self.
At this time of year, we often see old friends or family members we haven't seen for a long time. In keeping with that tradition of visiting old friends, we at InnerSelf are reprising some articles that appeared in previous years of InnerSelf's journey (1985-1995 in print, 1996-present online).
So this week's new issue is a blend of new and old -- some new articles and some retrieved for you from years back. A bit like the wedding that requires something old and something new, this week's edition blends the old and the new into a journey to a brighter future as we progress through this last week of 2022.
As you reflect on the year gone by, and start focusing on the new year to come, keep in mind that most of the 20,000+ articles on InnerSelf are timeless and pertain to us individually and collectively in the many stages of our life... and that their guidance never expires. Which also means that you can search InnerSelf for a variety of topics and find articles published through the years that can bring you insights and inspiration when you need it. We are here for you, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, holidays included. :-)
Wishing you a wonder-full and insight-full closing week of 2022.
Scroll down for the articles and videos that were added to the website this week, as well as those that were brought forward for your enjoyment..
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Wishing you enjoyable insightful reading, and of course a wonder-full, joy-full, health-full, and loving week.
Marie T. Russell
editor/publisher,
InnerSelf.com
"New Attitudes...New Possibilities"
NEW ARTICLES THIS WEEK
How to Live Up to the True Spirit of Christmas
Dion Forster,
If the media, popular entertainment, and retail habits are taken as indicators then the celebration of Christmas is no longer just the reserve of Christians. This has some consequences for the religious and non-religious alike.
What Is Burnout and How to Prevent It
Shahieda Jansen
People close to you, including family members, friends, and co-workers, frequently express their “stress” at this time of year. As the end of the year draws nearer people are likely to feel weary, irritable and overwhelmed.
Why Some People Choose to Live the Nomadic Van Lifestyle
Angus J Duff
People of all ages and genders live the nomadic van lifestyle. For retirees, vehicle living allows them to stretch the value of their limited retirement savings or income.
Here’s Another Reason to Exercise Every Day during the Holidays
William B. Farquhar
Yes, of course we all know we should exercise every day during the holiday season to help counter the onslaught of excess calories...
Long COVID: What Is It and What Can I Do about It?
Wibe Wagemans
It seems cortisol is both the chicken and the egg, with high cortisol increasing the risk of attracting COVID, and low cortisol involved in long COVID symptoms.
A Spice That May Help Reduce Your Blood Cholesterol
Preethy D'Souza
Cinnamon is a popular spice at Christmas time, used to flavour everything from mulled wine to pumpkin pie. And, unlike many Christmas foods, this one might actually be good for you.
Conversation Tips for Surviving the Holidays
Angie McArthur
Sometimes, you just can't relate to your relatives. Whether it's sports, politics, or past events, gathering around a dinner table during the holiday season can be a daunting prospect.
Dealing With Being Single during the Holidays?
Elizabeth Brake
As the holiday season starts, singles may face questions from friends and family: “When are you getting serious about dating?”
Why the Holidays Don’t Matter...
Alan Cohen
I would like to suggest that the holidays don’t really matter and there is nothing you really need to do about them. Such a suggestion, of course, reads like heresy.
The Psychology of the Christmas Miracle
Patrick Lonergan
Few events encapsulate our infatuation with a well-told story as much as Christmas. In particular, we love magical stories because they allow us to temporarily suspend our disbelief and revel in the joys of doing so.
How Christmas Traditions Evolved around the World
Carole Cusack
Christmas has become a cultural event, associated with the giving of gifts and lavish meals with friends and family. But the traditional understanding of Christmas is that it’s a Christian celebration of the birth of Jesus.
Understanding the Dangers of Excessive Sugar Intake
Sundeep Ruder
The holiday season has become a jet-fueled boost of over-indulgence on an already excessive culture of over-consumption.
Why Christmas May Be the Most Air-Pollution-Toxic Day of the Year
Ian Colbeck
On Christmas Day in 1879 the combination of fog and smoke was so dense over London that it was virtually dark at noon. Nowadays... air in the home may be at its worst.
Spare a Thought for Our Furry Friends This Holiday Season
Clive Phillips and Sarah Zito
Christmas is typically a time for celebrating and spending time with loved ones. But we can sometimes overlook how some very important family members — our pets — might be affected.
Here Are Some Tips for Truly Happy Holidays
Rachel Croson
Each year it seems our travel gets more and more out of control. Between the multiple holidays, family we need to visit distributed all around the country and the rounds of parties for work and with friends...
Working over the Holidays? You’re Not Alone
Andre Spicer and Carl Cederström
Religious aspects aside, for many people Christmas has been that unique time of the year when the demands of work finally disappear, if only for a brief period.
Why Hanukkah’s True Meaning Is about Survival
Alan Avery-Peck
During the month of December, Jews celebrate the eight-day festival of Hanukkah, perhaps the best-known and certainly the most visible Jewish holiday.
6 Ways To Reduce Loneliness This Christmas
Nilufar Ahmed
Christmas itself is hard if not possible to escape from entirely. But there are things you can do to manage your experience if you plan to spend time by yourself over advent.
Charles Dickens' Seasonal Ghosts Are Still Relevant
Christopher Pittard
At this time of year, readers worldwide turn to Charles Dickens, and A Christmas Carol in particular. Such is Dickens’ association with the season that a new film has even credited him with being “The Man Who Invented Christmas” with his famous tale. So did he? And what did Dickens really tell us in the pages of A Christmas Carol?
The Week's Inspirations
Today's Inspiration: Giving & Receiving Love (Dec. 25, 2022)
Alan Cohen
Today's Inspiration is a short message to help set the tone for this day. It is linked to a longer article for additional reflection and inspiration.
Today's Inspiration: Unconditional Love (Dec. 24, 2022)
Pierre Pradervand
Today's Inspiration is a short message to help set the tone for this day. It is linked to a longer article for additional reflection and inspiration.
Today's Inspiration: Compassionate Inner Witness (Dec. 23, 2022)
Christopher Penczak
Today's Inspiration is a short message to help set the tone for this day. It is linked to a longer article for additional reflection and inspiration.
Today's Inspiration: Expectations (Dec. 22, 2022)
Jude Bijou, M.A., M.F.T.
Today's Inspiration is a short message to help set the tone for this day. It is linked to a longer article for additional reflection and inspiration.
Today's Inspiration: Reviving My Spirit (Dec. 21, 2022)
Erika Buenaflor, M.A., J.D.
Today's Inspiration is a short message to help set the tone for this day. It is linked to a longer article for additional reflection and inspiration.
Today's Inspiration: Free from the Past (Dec. 20, 2022)
Ulrich E. Duprée
Today's Inspiration is a short message to help set the tone for this day. It is linked to a longer article for additional reflection and inspiration.
Today's Inspiration: Choosing How I Want to Feel (Dec. 19. 2022)
Penney Peirce
Today's Inspiration is a short message to help set the tone for this day. It is linked to a longer article for additional reflection and inspiration.
At The Brink
While, we at InnerSelf, strive to present an inspiring and positive view of life and events, at times, an approach is needed that is a bit more harsh when the truths are glaring and need to be addressed. That is what this section At The Brink does: shed light on issues that are urgent for humanity and the planet.
Mass Extinction Underway: 5 Ways You Can Help Stop Biodiversity Loss
Kate Hiseman
Biodiversity refers to the variety of life found on Earth and underpins the natural systems which grow our food, cleanse our air and water and regulate our climate. Human life cannot exist without it. But around one million animal and plant species are now threatened by extinction.
Putin Has Been Weaponizing Energy for Years: What Comes Next?
Thomas Froehlich
Not since the 1970s oil crisis has the west seen such a focus on energy security. Suddenly in 2022 it became a critical part of the battle for Ukraine. Russian attacks on energy facilities have left millions of Ukrainians without power during a freezing winter.
New Legislation That Should End Jan. 6 Style Presidential Election Mischief
Derek T. Muller
Presidential elections are complicated. But in a move aimed at warding off future crises like the Jan. 6, 2021, riot at the U.S. Capitol, the Senate and House have passed legislation to clarify ambiguous and trouble-prone aspects of the process.
This Week's Astrological Overview
Astrological Overview & Horoscope: Dec. 26, 2022 - Jan. 1, 2023
Pam Younghans
This weekly astrological journal is based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your personal chart. (See below for link to video version on YouTube.)
Videos Added To YouTube This Week
The Sweetness of Life: Dream Intently and Light the Darkness
Written and Narrated by Marie T. Russell.
Are You Being Being Deceived and Distracted?
Written and Narrated by Robert Jennings
10 Small Changes To Prevent Weight Gain
Written by Claire Madigan and Henrietta Graham.
Narrated by Marie T. Russell.
Astrological Overview: December 26, 2022 - January 1, 2023
Written and Narrated by Pam Younghans
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