If you’re anything like me, this time of year is whizzing by. I get this feeling starting in late November where I know the hours will appear shorter and the days go by faster albeit the stinky time change we endure. There are gifts to buy, parties to attend, cookies to bake and snow to play in.
I know that I am supposed to love this time of year. Extra family sessions and the magic of the holidays are meant to be special and enchanting. And, to an extent this is indeed true. The holidays make the bleak winter much more bearable and something to look forward to.
However, this year I am being selfish. Totally selfish. And I hope you turn selfish too. Here’s why.
BE SELFISH?
Full disclosure- I was watching Disney’s Frozen with my daughter and I knew something was wrong when I teared up listening to “Let It Go”. And not just because Idina Menzel can bust out a tune like no other. I realized that my leaky ducts were the release of so much frustration and pressure. Although super cathartic, I started thinking that I cannot let the emotional dam build up to a point where it breaks open without warning.
So, this year my gift to myself is this. I am not going to care as much. I am not going to care as much…I am not going to care as much.
Wow, that is going to be super tough. However, I kinda need to do this. And honestly, don’t you? I cannot be everything to everyone all the time. And you want to know something? THAT’S FINE. THAT’S OK. Whomever doesn’t understand that can go take a long walk off a short pier as my Dad used to say. I am going to focus on what I need to focus on. I am going to say “NO” to events and things that I really cannot make work. I am going to take time for myself and I’m obviously going to read more books.
THE G WORD
I will concentrate on the most important of things and not let the G word seep in. That’s GUILT. Nope, that G word will not cover me like a smothering blanket. The G word is usually brought on myself- and now that I have released it- I feel like a new person. The G word is now turning into GIFT for me. A gift to myself. I hope you give that gift to yourself too. Happy Holidays.