Christmas is less than two weeks away!
The year is over in less than three weeks! Are you stressing? Have you been racing around trying to get that perfect gift for you kid, spouse, parent??? Are you putting in long hours at work to make year end deadlines? Have you been reflecting back on your resolutions and goals for this year and feeling disappointed?
Many of us are doing exactly these things, beating ourselves up and stressing ourselves out in a variety of ways at what is supposed to be a Joyous time of year. I admit to beating myself up for not organizing my time properly these last two weeks, not mailing out a single Christmas card and stressing over not reaching some of my goals for this year. So, I will be wearing my I Am Chasing Joy Holiday T-shirt a lot over the next few weeks to remind myself Tis The Season To Chase Joy. But I am also going to focus on one of the best pieces of advice I have ever received and be kind to myself. I am giving myself the gift of kindness.
Sadly I do not remember exactly who gave me that bit of advice to credit them. I remember it was said to me right after my dad died and I’d broken up with my boyfriend. It was likely someone from my book club. I doubt a co-worker would have reached out to me in that way. This person knew what I was going through and she said “Arlett, be kind to yourself”.
As I type this I have to admit life is really good and I am blessed. I am so happy that I am not in that dark place that I was at the time the advice was given. However, the advice still fits. Now is not the time to beat ourselves up or stress ourselves out. Now is the time to be kind to ourselves and Chase Joy. Give yourself the gift of kindness these last weeks of the holiday season.
Thank you so much for sharing and remind us to relax!! Christmas is about love and togetherness and the birth of Christ… not material objects!
Thanks for the reminder,its so important to remember the true meaning of Christmas…….not gifts…its about LOVE
This reminder is soooo important and I was just talking earlier on Periscope about the need to give ourselves some grace. We give it to everyone else, why not to ourselves?
Great reminder. I think we all stress too much.
Thank you for this beautiful reminder. Especially at what can be a crazy time of year for some.
I refuse to stress myself out because of the holiday season. A lot of people get caught up in gift giving and forget the true meaning of this time of year: showing love to others and celebrating Christ.
Awesome advice. This time of year is supposed to be joyous and no one should spend it stressed out.
All the Best,
Allison | http://www.LiveLifeWellBlog.com
I am not stressing this year. I am going to take each day as I see it and do the best I can with what I have. Great article!
We all need to remember this. I'm glad that I don't fall under the pressures of Christmas. I have been able to breathe and relax among all the craziness.
Great post
I don't feel rushed or overwhelmed – yet.
Thankfully, my husband and I don't exchange gifts.
Our son only asks for 1 gift each Christmas, which I love. Relax and enjoy!
I share this message widely and often! The gift of kindness never gets old especially when practicing self care! Fantastic post!
Excellent advice!! We can't be much to anyone else if we're not giving ourselves the proper love and devotion that we need.
Such a great reminder! Often we care so much for others but don't extend the same love and kindness to ourselves. I am planning a spa day for myself next year as an act of love and kindness.