Nourishing holiday cards

My living room is ringed with holiday cards all around the edges, crowding the narrow fireplace mantel, hanging from the CD shelf, propped on the stereo cabinet. Some from friendships going back nearly forty years, some from new friendships this year. Tangible evidence that people think of me with warmth, that I've made a positive difference. Reassurance that my awkward quirky way of being in the world is good enough to stay connected with people.

I sent out cards too, some later in the month than I intended, but all eventually made it into the mailbox, hopefully to spread a similar warmth and reassurance.

Repeating something I see go by every so often: If someone has made a difference in your life, take a moment to tell them. Send compliments and love and care out into the world, because we all need that nourishment.