Last week I promised that I'd send you Part 2 of my goal-setting series.
But based on several of my client coaching sessions last week, I've made an executive decision to put that off until next week (and I'm also sending this a day early, because who sends emails on Christmas Eve??)
This week is Christmas, which for many of us is the most wonderful stressful time of year.
And that holiday stress is caused by many things.
Some people (like me) fall prey to holiday perfectionism, which leads to feeling frazzled and frantic while trying to just get through the holidays so that you can rest.
Others have difficult family gatherings (and people) to navigate.
Some people feel financial pressure.
And yet others deal with holiday grief (yet plaster a fake smile on their face hoping that no one will notice).
No matter the reason, most people feel added pressure during the holidays. And the most wonderful time of year is easily turned into the most overwhelming, pressure-filled, and anxiety-inducing time of year.
For years, I worked hard during the holidays trying to host the perfect party, create amazing memories for my kids, and live up to a nostalgic memory of my childhood (that isn't real).
I discovered this several years ago and have worked hard to overcome it (somewhat successfully) the past 2 years. And then this year, something happened that made me let go even more.
For the past 15 years, we've hosted our family at Christmas. And our extended family is BIG (there were years we had over 40 people at our house).
But for the past 3 years, the numbers have been steadily shrinking. People have scattered, some have had kids, and others have decided to create their own family traditions at home.
And this year there won't be a family gathering at all. This made me initially feel sad (even a bit depressed). Until I talked to my boys about it.
When I asked them what they wanted to do on Christmas Day (since we won't be having anyone over), they told me they just want to hang out. Maybe play some board games and watch a movie together.
What they wanted most was to be present with one another and just be.
And that's what I want for you too.
I’m here today to give you a friendly reminder to give yourself permission to pause this week.
Do less (or even nothing).
Breathe.
And listen to what your soul tells you.
Who knows, it might lead to a bit of spontaneity (it's okay not to have everything planned out). It could even lead to actual fun and magical memories.
XO, |
