How to not be part of the 'noise' at Christmas

Especially as Christmas approaches, I have been giving a lot of thought to what it means to really 'connect' with people in a way that isn't just part of the 'noise' - what it means to add 'value' to people's lives... in practical, meaningful ways... ...and that essentially became my Christmas Wish...

When I lived in the States, at Thanksgiving, every year I would find someone who was without a home, take them out for a Thanksgiving meal, and to the supermarket and buy them some groceries - not just for themselves, but to share with their friends.

Each Christmas, I would take an extended family who was struggling out for a meal; and on Christmas Eve I would drive around to several different pharmacy locations where there were people standing out in the cold, full of Christmas cheer, collecting for a worthy cause, and bring them a hot chocolate, and cookies or similar.

Since I left America almost seven years ago, I have chosen to give back in different ways - not just at the holiday season, but daily, even in little ways. Making sure I smile at people, especially if they seem down (or grumpy!), sponsoring the education of a young boy who has severe autism, complimenting people where I truly feel the compliment from my heart, loving openly, and just being there to support as and when I can...

...and that brought me to my current pondering...

Just yesterday when I was wandering around Florence, chatting on the sidewalk in my limited Italian with a shopkeeper, I was thinking that while I'm not fluent in any language other than English (and even that has its moments!), I have come up with a nifty method of being able to learn the basics in a language to at least get by, and to show respect - and I thought it would be fun to make a video to share how I do that and how you can, too...

...and in an interview I was recording a few days ago, talking with my guest - another new Friend - about how what they had just said was similar to the way hieroglyphics are used - and thought that, while I am no Egyptologist, I do have a very basic understanding of the topic and that it would be fun to create a video to share on how you can write your name, for instance, using hieroglyphs...

...and last week talking with a Friend about what it takes to do livestreaming and podcasting - the equipment I use (that has to be portable enough to travel around the world with me since my life is that of a 24/7 Luxurious Nomad) and the different software, tips, tricks etc - and he suggested it would be useful if I created a video to share on how to do just that...

...and so I started creating a list of all the fun things that are part of my world that might add value and inspiration, or practical, business/marketing/writing how-tos - or at least entertainment - to other people's lives...

...and that brought me to my Christmas Wish for myself to not be part of the 'noise'...

As of yesterday, I have started working on exactly that - videos on just interesting, informative, useful 'stuff' - and once we get past the holidays, I'll have one new one available each week - videos I hope add 'value' in practical, meaningful ways to your business and your life...

...and so I also wanted to ask you if there was anything you wanted me to share? Any topic, or maybe tips about successful travel, or a place I've been that you want to visit...? Or ideas for personal or business branding..? ...or quantum physics (yes, really)... or how to travel the world if you are like me and have a mobility challenge..? Or....... goodness... there are sooo many topics!

Looking up and seeing a cat sitting in a window looking back at me (that was kinda cool in a weird way), I was even thinking about how simply looking at the world through the eyes of a photographer and artist has helped me to truly 'see' things that others miss - and how I could create a practical and creative video on how to do just that...

...and so that, my Friends, is my Christmas Wish - and I guess my Christmas present to each of you throughout the coming year.

As a new video/class/whatever-you-like-to-call-it goes lives, I'll post a quick update - and if there is anything you want me to cover, just let me know. I can't guarantee I can get to all of them, but I will do my best.

I will also be hosting different discussions with amazing people like my dear Friend, Mr Werner Berger (if you don't know him, among other incredible accomplishments, he is in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the oldest person to climb all seven summits - and I think he did Everest more than once (I'll have to ask him to confirm)...

...and I've already recorded interviews with fascinating Friends like Mr Devon Harris (of 'Cool Runnings' Jamaica Bobsled Olympic Team fame), and a new Friend, Mr L.J. Martin who has written more books - and best-sellers - than I can count, and who built a publishing company, and a film production company... the man is a legend! ...and many other wonderful Friends who have done astounding things! They all are legends... Those interviews will go live in January as well.

Soooooo, while others may be proclaiming doom and gloom for 2023 - I have decided 2023 is the most wonderful and inspiring year yet... and every week, starting Wednesday, January 18th, I will post an update of something I hope brings interesting information, inspiration, and bucketloads of joy to your world.

Oh, and on the subject of me capitalising the word 'friend' that so many mention... I started doing it some years ago, simply because a lowercase f just didn't seem to me to give the word enough importance. Then, I learned that the author and broadcaster, C.S. Lewis (of 'Narnia' fame among so many others!) also capitalised the word Friend (and several others where he wanted to give emphasis) - so I figured I was in good company.

Also, for those who follow along on my 24/7 luxury nomad world travels (now about to reach the 7 year mark!), letting you know here that I have now updated my travel blog to include all the latest adventures in Florence - you can find them all here:

https://luxuriousnomad.com/ - I've been in Florence for two months - off to Romania next week!

Well, you probably need new glasses by now... Sorry about that!

Wishing one and all a truly blessed Christmas, may your New Year be bright, happy, healthy, and may 2023 be the best one yet!

Much love to all around the world

~ Bella

https://elegantisvitae.com/about/