Weekly Round-Up: The Christmas Edition

Welcome dear readers to the penultimate blog of the year.

In her latest Substack, Beth draws parallels between her personal journey of self-care and the myth of Persephone’s ascent from the Underworld, emphasizing the importance of art in her well-being and finding inspiration in the lengthening days after the winter solstice.

Chris discusses the negative impact of corporate greed on our lives and our health, arguing that the pursuit of profit is hindering progress in cancer treatment and other areas of medicine.

Carolyn‘s “The Grinch’s Guide to Women’s Heart Attacks (with apologies to Dr. Seuss)” is a clever way to highlight the serious issue of gender bias in heart disease diagnosis, highlighting how women’s cardiac symptoms are often dismissed or minimized by healthcare providers.

Gabby offers coping strategies for experiencing sadness during the holiday season.

Nancy shares a heartwarming story about her mother’s dedication to ensuring her three daughters each had a complete set of cherished Christmas dishes. These dishes, now a family heirloom, symbolize the love and enduring bond between the sisters and evoke cherished holiday memories.

Barbara reflects on love as the true meaning of Christmas.

More cherished memories on Connie‘s blog as she reflects on childhood Christmas memories, particularly a “White Christmas” in 1962.

Finally, this week, the days are officially beginning to lengthen! Following the Winter Solstice on the 21st, a significant event for ancient civilizations, particularly the Celts as I wrote about here, is reflected in a remarkable monument: the Neolithic tomb in Newgrange, Ireland. Yvonne, wrote more lyrically than I, of the same event, with these beautiful lines:

It is a time when the ancients speak to us, reassuring us that no matter how dark the days, the cycle will always begin again. There’s light on the horizon.

Until next week,

Yours in love and light,

Marie xxx