The holidays are always a stressful time but the day you've been preparing for is here so relax and enjoy it!
Anything you have done or not done to this point is in the past so remember to live in the present and look to the future. Take today to enjoy what you have, show gratitude for where you are, and reflect on where you want to be.
During the holidays, especially Christmas, I think we put a lot of stress on ourselves doing things for others. Which is a great thing, we want to get all the perfect gifts and make sure we go to every party that’s planned. We exhaust ourselves for others even when there are some things we don't want to do or be a part of. Christmas is a time that I find I often get caught up in people pleasing and not paying attention to my own needs.
Every day we should focus on giving and serving others but, remember you cannot give your best to others if you are not maintaining your best self.
If you are at 50 percent in your own life, that is what you are going to deliver to other people’s life, even though it feels like you are giving them 100 percent.
I have been trying to remember this as I move through the holidays and New Year.
I must first maintain my best self to give my best to others. It is a confusing concept at first, and sometimes when you have to say no and let people down it feels wrong, but I promise it is true.
The amount of stress and anxiety I used to feel has dropped dramatically since I know I still have my tasks done each day. Even if it means I can't watch movies all day with my family for Christmas. I can have some time doing these things, but it is structured around time for myself and my goals as well.
You must remember you are not giving up things, or missing out, you are investing in yourself. So, when you say no to overeating, miss a Christmas party, or opt out of some family time to get a task done, you are not missing out, you are adding investments into a better version of you. You are moving forward, and this doesn't mean you can't enjoy life and the holidays. Saying no isn't always negative and you can go out and do things that you do have to time for or eat food in moderation. Just have a plan. A plan that sticks to your values and goals. Having a plan lets you be your best self even during the holidays, so you can then pay it forward and give to others in the best way possible.
This season, enjoy your family, enjoy your friends, and enjoy yourself. Have a very Merry Christmas and remember that Jesus was born today. Celebrate and remember today is a day of rebirth and new beginnings. Start creating the 100 percent version of yourself today. Take time to challenge yourself and take time to love yourself, it will make you better at giving to others.
Merry Christmas!
LAWS CO.
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