Heather Little-White, Ph.D., Contributor

Instead of wallowing in my misery, I just made some changes.

- Stephanie Mills

It's Christmas, a time when wishes are expected to come true. Whether we believe that Santa will fulfill our desires by coming down the chimney, or that you or others will make them real, each person can enjoy the satisfaction of wishes met. Christmas should be seen as a time of spiritual renewal with less focus on its commercialisation and the craving for material things.

As Christmas time precedes a new year in 2007, it is a good time to start working on establishing new directions for your life and that of the family. Despite the hustle and bustle of the season, the long holidays should be used to centre yourself to determine values you want to embrace or change. It means starting to chart a plan for new beginnings in your life. To centre yourself, you must recognise that it is only you who can change your conditions. Centering oneself is a way of thinking, an attitude of mind, a positive, affirmative approach to life.

Mountain or hill?

Lauris Faith in her book, It's up to you, writes it's important to decide whether a problem is mountain or a hill as this influences how you go about solving it. It may be that you are able to visualise its resolution and see yourself skipping down on the other side of the slope.

Alternatively, this one may be either too big for you alone or just too big, period - you may be unable to do this alone. It's really amazing that help comes from the most unlikely sources. There is a path around, through and under.

Iyanla Vanzant, in her book Acts of Faith, suggests 51 ways to get help from God. These could be the wishes you make at Christmas and carry over into the New Year for action.

[1] Ask for it [2] Believe [3] Recognise help when it comes [ 4] Listen [5] Obey [6] Love [7] Praise [8] Forgive [9] Be real [10] Seek [11] Face yourself [12] Be honest [13] Order [14] Understanding [15] Silence [16] Simplicity [17] Purify [18] Know [19] Grace [20] Joy [21]Peace [22] Trust [23] Natural law [24] Balance [25] Harmony [26] Self-sufficiency [27] Dream [28] Self-discovery [29] Right thinking [30] Right action [31] Right reaction [32] Breathe [33] Shut up [34] Be still [35] Feel [36] Live now [37] Friends [38] Parents [39] Children [40] Openness [41] Realisation [42] Relaxation [43] Laugh [44] Patience [45] Give; [46] Cry [47] Create [48] Judge not [49] Oneness [50] Faith [51] Surrender.

Word power

If we are to be led by Jesus' teachings, have you noticed the number of times He used the words 'I am' - "I am with you to deliver you"; "I am the light of the world"; "I am the good shepherd"; Jesus followed the 'I am' with a statement regarding his God-given identity and purpose for existence. As you centre yourself this Christmas, correctly use and give power to the words 'I am' in the same way that Jesus did. Think how often you misuse the I am - "I am sick", "I am lonely", and "I am worried".

One of your wishes this Christmas is to be conscious about using your 'I ams' always followed by your recognition of your God-given identity and purpose for living. Examples are, "I am the joy of selfless service"; "I am free to express selfless love"; "I am loving and I am loved". When you say "I am!", you are acknowledging your divinity.

African-American folklore says there are four rungs on the ladder of success - plan purposefully; prepare prayerfully; proceed positively and pursue persistently.

May this Christmas be the best yet in your life as you unify with the Christ Mind, in thought, purpose and understanding, and be inspired to right action for your greater good. That is the essence of Christmas. May peace and joy be yours this Christmas and may your wishes come true.