Everywhere you go you hear people saying how fast the time is passing. The shops and malls are crowded, traffic is nuts and everyone is getting along so famously? What a drag! Interestingly most of us when asked would not say we think this season and its celebrations are about material things but you can't tell it looking at the crowds.
We all want the same things. We want this to be a wonderful holiday for all our family and friends and those are noble goals. But what of Uncle Harry or your spinster friend? Maybe they like being unhappy. Why add so many expectations that may be unrealistic of yourselves and others.
Want to strike a happy balance this year? Pay attention to yourself and your own limited time and energies? No one wants to go through the holiday season, having been too tired, short and irritable with those we love to enjoy it -- or to spoil their time. And when we do behave badly it's over what? Šthe perfect gift. What a great way to end a friendship, alienate a spouse or find new destain for ourselves and our own bad behavior!
Here are some suggestions that may help you cope as the holiday grows closer.
1. Make lists, prioritize them, and check off things as you get them done. This gives the sense of accomplishment you may need.
2. Review your list from time to time. Is everything on that list necessary?
3. Ask yourself, ''What's the best use of my time right now?'' Then do it!
4. Be willing to sacrifice perfection to get things done. It's okay!
5. Learn to say no (very important) to demands that don't benefit you.
6. Whenever possible delegate!
7. Don't waste time on minor decisions.
8. Arrange your work time to keep interruptions to a minimum.
9. Be realistic about what you can accomplish during a given period of time.
10. When is your energy at its peak? Plan your work for those times and use your less energetic times for leisure or the spiritual side of the holiday.
No thing is worth losing the joy of the season. Remember, we are not human doings, we are human beings!
Till next time, Rebecca