finding the perfect holiday gift

This coming weekend I am going holiday shopping. List in hand, I will try to find that perfect gift that will make each family member happy. However this year, my list in incomplete, as my brother Jerry's name is not written. I would always look for the perfect gift for Jerry; pajama pants, winter gloves, a hoodie.

Jerry died in May. As I continue to grieve, I want to get a holiday present for Jerry.

I have decided that the gift will be taking care of myself. You see, Jerry always told me that taking care of myself mattered. He encouraged me to be the best person I could be. He would tell me that walking was the best thing I could do for my body. He would tell me to let go of all the people and situations that stress me out. He would remind me that unhealthy behaviors of others, is not my problem, and that I deserve better. I wont be able to hand this gift to Jerry, but, this act of self care will be the perfect gift. I like to think, that Jerry would really like this gift.

" You are the sky, everything else is the weather."

American Tibetan Buddhist, Pema Chodron