. . . to run around like a chicken with your head cut off. Ah yes, the Christmas season. The season of giving. December is a beautiful time of year — friends and family from near and far get together, people remember those less fortunate more often, and parties kick into high gear. That being said, I can’t remember the last time I’ve seen so many friends and colleagues (and myself, for that matter) overwhelmed to the maximum.
So here I am with a gentle reminder to SLOW DOWN. I MEAN IT!! (Ok, maybe not so gentle.) This month, the theme at the studio where I practice yoga is “non-holding.” The instructors encourage us to give of ourselves this season but also to let go of what is not positively serving us, physically, mentally, and emotionally. So in the spirit of selflessness this Christmas, treat yourself with some compassion. Life won’t end if you don’t find that perfect gift or if you stay home and relax instead of heading out to a huge shindig.
On to my favourite topic: goals. December is a great time to reflect on the year past and the year ahead. Regardless of whether you’re a freelancer, take some time to figure out what really worked for you this year and what you truly want for the new year. Write it down – get it on paper (remember that blog?). If I asked you what exactly you wanted for your career, your personal life, your health, etc., could you provide a solid answer?
Once you know what makes you tick and can show yourself true compassion, it is infinitely easier to give to others.
Namaste, friends. And peace. 🙂
Freelancing to Freedom 
Great post, Rach! This season was ruined for me many years ago when I worked retail. I would arrive home on Christmas Eve, fling myself onto the couch and feel as though I were in a stupor for the rest of the holidays. Then, when I sold to retail, thinking about Christmas would begin in June, so by the time Dec. 25th rolled around I’d had 6 months of helping others plan for the big holiday, and was already onto selling the next season’s books, anyway. It wasn’t until I began spending Christmas in the Caribbean, and away from all the commercialism and hype in Canada, that I began to relax and enjoy being with family, any company who visited, and our relatively meager celebrations. I haven’t sent out cards for years, I don’t buy presents for others any longer (don’t expect to receive any either), and I try not to get caught up in the frenzy that the holiday season has become. I take it for what it should be – a time to enjoy friendship, to connect with others, and to feel the love!
By: islandeditions on December 5, 2011
at 1:58 pm
Thanks for your comment, Sue. I can’t think of anything more hectic than working retail at Christmas! I try to avoid malls as much as possible around this time (thank goodness for online shopping). I hope you enjoy as much love and friendship as possible this season! 🙂
By: faultlessfinish on December 5, 2011
at 2:46 pm
I’m working hard to have less on the agenda this semester. I hope you’re managing to keep it all in check!
By: Rose on December 21, 2011
at 5:01 am