Your Season, Your Way

One step at a time. A simple quote to live by, but this week it’s meaning is literal.

We ran the NY marathon on Sunday and the process of walking down steps are a constant reminder of every hill on the course. OUCH!

There is a lot of time to think while running a marathon…26.2 miles to be exact. The main thoughts move through this is exciting, wow this is hard, who’s stupid idea was this, and if I don’t die before the end I will never do this again.

In between all those thoughts it is a time of reflection and contemplation. This race I ran (sorry couldn’t resist) through the next 8 weeks of the holiday season and if the mileage didn’t increase my heart rate, my to-do list did!

Are you kidding me? Calendars and schedules dictate our week and ultimately influence our emotional well-being or feelings of success. We haven’t even taken down the Halloween decorations and the feeling of beginning the New Year behind is front and center.

Not. This. Year.

Just as I had a choice in committing to run a marathon, we have a choice how the holiday season and New Year will begin. Don’t get me wrong, there are obligations and appointments that cannot be missed, but the rest of the time is ours to decide how it will be spent or how we approach each day.

Your Season, Your Way:

• Morning Gratitude. “They” talk about this all the time to set the tone for a positive day, but do you really do it? Before getting out of bed in the morning, mentally state 3 things you are grateful for. Anger and gratitude cannot live in the same space. If you start the day on a positive note, you are more likely to see the blessings throughout the day or let the crabby cashier roll off your back.

 

• Holiday Intention. What is it YOU want out of the season? Not your friend, family, or neighbors season. Yours. Take a few minutes to decide what are the important obligations and moments you want to end the season having accomplished. Encourage each family member to think about what they want and make sure you are all on the same page. Want to spend more family time together? Set it on the calendar and minimize distraction (implement a no electronic zone for the time you are together). Hate shopping? Utilize online resources or have a list in hand to streamline the in-store process.

 

• NO doesn’t make you the Grinch. So many invites and requests can fill a calendar to the brim. Is that how you want your season to look? In addition, the act of saying no is difficult as we don’t want to disappoint others or worse have FOMO (fear of missing out). Beginning the New Year exhausted, spilling over the top of your pants, and wondering where the month of December went will not inspire your best self. Go back to what your intention is for the season. A loving No, can be a not now and scheduled for time in the new year, freeing up an evening to relax. Alternating water and wine or adding some veggies to your plate can help avoid added weight to lose in the new year.

 

• Pass on Perfection. Fast forward months from now, no one remembers the dry turkey (ok, if it’s like Christmas Vacation they might, but it makes for a funny story), the imperfectly wrapped present, or the dress you wore to the holiday party. Leave the perfectly Pinterest season to someone else and be present in the moment. These are the memories people remember. This is what will fuel you to set commitments for the New Year and moving forward. Focus on the important priorities, while letting the background noise fade away.

Leave behind the stress of the season and make this the one where you are in control. Commit to what are your priorities and take it one step at a time.

Need help this holiday season setting priorities or getting unstuck? Let's chat - click here to connect!

---