“Focusing on the stressors will lead you to miss the gifts.” ~LMB
Christmas and New Year are around the corner. These two holidays often bring with them last-minute shopping, end-of-the-year “wrap-ups” (projects, work financials, contracts, etc.) and some serious party planning. As you enter your final two weeks of preparation, remember to keep your cool and your head. Try not to freak out about the perfect gifts, the last-minute deadlines or the holiday planning. Instead, take time to take in the gifts of the season.
Slow down. When you begin to hyperventilate because you still have so much to do—BREATHE. When you hear yourself complaining about the season—pause, stop and be thankful you’re here to celebrate it. When you feel frustrated by your loved ones’ pickiness when it comes to gifts, remind yourself how lucky you are to have loved ones. In essence, take in the gifts of the season and shake off the stressors.
Admire the beautiful Christmas lights, enjoy a cup of eggnog, relax on those days off from work, take in the smiles on your loved ones’ faces as they open their gifts…and be thankful for your gifts. A holiday is a great reminder of the gifts in life if we just remind ourselves to slow down and notice them. Often a shift in thought is the only thing we need to move from a stressful, frantic day to a day of peace and gratitude. Make that shift.
Challenge: As the holiday season gets closer, remember to change your lens. Focus on the gifts, not the stressors; presence rather than presents, and love rather than upsets. And most of all—ENJOY YOUR HOLIDAY SEASON. (Note: To all who celebrate Chanuka rather than Christmas—I hope it was a great holiday.)