ONCE upon a Christmas-season morning, I freaked out in my living room. I am not sure what was said to or asked of me that Saturday morning, but it was all I could bear, and I lost it. All my ugly, stuffed emotions erupted. My five males and one dog watched in horror as I screeched and wailed.
In holidayβs past, I was an exhausted mom – over doing, over being, overspending, and overwhelming my people! But because I attend the school of Holiday Hard Knocks, I learned from my tendency to over-everything, and today I have a passing report card.
My pleaser personality was so hyper-focused on creating a beautiful, abundant holiday for others, that I left my tightly wound, empty, exhausted, and on the brink of eruption-self behind. When the clock struck January 1, I felt like I had somewhat missed the season – my soul and body drained.
Along the way, I decided I didnβt want to miss it anymore.
I learned to abundantly experience the holidays and prioritize Expectations and Soul-care/Self-care.
Expectations are resentments waiting to happen
-Brene Brown
In the school of Holiday Hard Knocks, I failed the Expectation Class, multiple times.
Unmet expectations can be crippling. Even devastating. They can rob our holiday joy and replace it with coal, or a holiday tizzy fit.
It is vital to look with clear eyes at our plans and communicate with loved ones (and ourselves!) about gifts, family gatherings, financial realities, and⦠fill in your blank. I find it best not to make assumptions or to place my hope in people or situations until communication has taken place. And even then, I aim to keep an open hand and heart with eyes of grace. Friends, relatives, coworkers, and neighbors can and will disappoint. As do we.
Self-care is not selfish. You cannot serve from an empty vessel
-Eleanor Brownn
As I asses my self-care, I divide it into three categories: spiritual, emotional, and physical…Continue Reading