Well, I'm trying to modulate my perfectionist tendencies, honor my time constraints, and channel my desire for 2 holidays gifts: not taking life so seriously and self-forgiveness as I notice the glare on my glasses. My apologies, but the blog and video message is the same in regards to keeping your head above water this time of year. I'm working on that. I must give myself a pass on refilming. If the glare is too distracting, tune into the audio only. Happy holidays!!!
I won’t ask if you totally love this time of year. That’s triggering for some people. If you do, that’s absolutely brilliant. Party on. Enjoy the lights, gifts, and festivities. Regardless whether you love this season, it may still be a challenge to keep your head above water. In order to keep my wits about me, I decided to borrow this week’s Practical Tip, spice it up a bit, and launch it as my monthly blog. Sometimes we have to make concessions for our own well-being. Either way, I hope that you find a nugget or two that will add sparkle to the remainder of the year and to ring in the new year with good cheer. And I’m so pumped to share my fabulous family news. What is it? You’ll find it in the text below.
Mid- November through the first days of January should be a fun, celebratory time of year. Hopefully for you it is. For some, the self-imposed or external expectations, the long list of to-dos, navigating the holiday invitations, the search for perfect gifts and holiday meals, it may all feel a bit too much for your bandwidth and budget. Experiencing sensory overload among the crowds, feeling apprehension around social distancing, uncertainty to mask or not to mask, rsvp’ing yes vs no, all these can pose challenges to joyful merry-making. Please know you’re not alone if you feel this way. Allow your intuition to guide your decisions and actions. If you’re unable to keep your head above water for whatever reason, send out an SOS for some extra hands, a shoulder to let out your emotions on, or simply someone to vent to. If you’re totally rocking it, watch for signs in your family, friends, or community circles for SOS indicators. Even if you can’t assist, you may have the connections to those that can.
To keep your head above water, send out an SOS if you’re plate is too full. Image by Eszter Miller from Pixabay
When the Plate’s Nearly Full
I’ve seen warning signs from mood changes and a crazy busy schedule that my plate is nearly full. Or as full as I can comfortably handle without tipping over the edge. Aside from working with clients and running my business, I’m in the midst of 3 educational career advancement and personal growth courses, writing for various publications, and considering 2 prospective organizing workshops. That’s the professional stuff. Then there’s usual household chores and getting holiday ready. Fortunately, holiday gifts are mostly covered. And I’m debating whether I will create my annual family newsletter. Maybe I’ll go digital again this year to assuage my eco ethos and budget-minding, for most recipients. For those not email savvy, they might get hard copies. Still on deck…holiday celebration menu planning and grocery shopping.
Nicole Herinckx of Zillaevents.com
And, most fervently lending a hand, only when asked of course, in the planning of my daughter’s future wedding!!! Fortunately, I believe she’s following my one (well at least one) piece of advice and is searching for a wedding planner. The unquestionable value of those services was my takeaway from my November 17, 2020 blog, “And the Oscar for Best Wedding Co-Star…”, when I interviewed Wedding Coordinator and Wedding Coach, Nicole Herinckx. Nicole is the founder and creator of Zillaevents.com. I’m grateful she introduced me to the world of wedding planners. I’d hire Nicole in a heartbeat if the nuptials weren’t ½ way across the US, and we need boots on the ground. Sigh. Chat with Nicole asap to book Zillaevents if you’re hosting a future wedding*. She’s an absolute miracle worker.
Until early 2023, I’m being super mindful to say “no” to non-essential activities unless the invitation is irresistibly uplifting when I need a boost, and I feel comfortable with the request.
How Much Is On Your Plate?
How is your head this time of year? Are you feeling flooded? Are there more tasks than hours or bandwidth to do them? What can you give a pass to or pass along to someone else? Knowing your limits will keep you healthy and operational long enough to get you through the next few weeks without a complete meltdown. I’m speaking from past experience. Trying to do it all, purchasing perfect gifts for absolutely everyone, hosting idealized parties, and traveling to and fro is challenging under the best circumstances.
Keep it Real
The state of affairs the last few years and the current economy aren’t settings for over-the- top aspirations. Keep it real for you. For your family. Beware of false or unrealistic expectations. We believe that others are setting standards for us that may or may not be the case. Feel free to set your own boundaries. You have the agency to do so. If you don’t hit the A+ mark 100% of the time, what’s the worst that will happen? Your not-so-favorite uncle, who never truly likes your gifts anyway, will balk at this year’s offering too? There’s no satisfying some people. If their panties are in a twist, give yours the grace to fit comfortably by keeping a cool head. When your holiday soufflé plummets before it’s barely out of the oven, take a few deep breaths and giggle. Who cares especially if it’s chocolate?! Stash some extra ice cream in the freezer to substitute just in case. Back up plans never hurt as long as contingencies aren’t going to push you further over the edge.
Find the Silver Lining
Find the silver lining wherever it’s hiding. Image by Alexsander-777 from Pixabay
Even when things go awry, find the silver lining, the gift that doesn’t cost you a dime. That reminder is probably one of the most precious tidbits I’m taking away from the personal growth course. I’ve known it for ages, I’ve been fairly lousy practicing it. This year, self-awareness around taking life so seriously and self-forgiveness are my top 2 holiday aspirational gifts. I’ll let you know if Santa brings them.
Happy holidays, be safe. Stay healthy, Keep being you!
*The Practical Sort doesn’t endorse any businesses or receive any compensation for features.
