I'm going to keep this week's note to you short and sweet. After all, it's not rocket science. It doesn't take much to explain. And, honestly, I think you all get it. We've all been there, and at this time of year, you might be walking with me down this path as you read this.
Sometimes i feel like a broken record with my kids. "Have you made your bed?" I ask when I see them playing on their devices? "Is your room clean? Have you brushed your teeth? Did you finish your homework?" The list goes on an on, and it's usually followed up by the advice to do what you HAVE to do before you do the things you WANT to do. They often give me a heavy sigh and put down their wants and go take care of their needs.
But what about me? At this super busy time of year, am I listening to my own advice? Am I following my own rules?
Under careful reflection, I think I may be the worst offender. You see, I get a project in my head and I want to knock it out. It's not something I have to do, but something I want to do, and many times my needs get pushed to the side. You know why? It's because my needs have to get done, so I know I'll get them done, no matter how stressed I get at the fact that I'm leaving them until the last minute.
Preparations have to be made for our upcoming Christmas travels. My basement hallway doesn't have to be painted before we leave. Gifts have to be wrapped. I don't have to get my junk room cleaned and organized first. Sound familiar? Okay, maybe not the exact same needs and wants, but you get the idea.
Yeah, it's likely that these wants will certainly be moved up to "have tos" at some point, but for now they can wait. So, today.....this week, I'm going to make my list of needs vs. wants and set my focus where it needs to be so I can enjoy this season, and not stress through it.
I realized last week that you may not feel like you're stressed, but it will certainly hit you out of nowhere and you'll realize that you're throwing too many wants into your daily to-do list, and sacrificing your own needs. Needs of a calm spirit and an eye to see the true joy of this time of year.
So, here's to joy and friendship and the realization that we don't have to do it all. Won't you join me and breathe a little easier?
