Choosing Peace
Christmas is right around the corner. As we approach the holidays, many people are frantically searching for the perfect gift for the loved ones on their Christmas lists. And if you’re like me, you still haven’t quite been able to secure every single wish list item. However, if you’re like me again, you have decided to do like Elsa and “let it go.” I’m intentionally finding ways to reduce my stress level this holiday season! I’ve decided I’m choosing peace.
That’s right. I’m choosing peace. I am convinced that we must be intentional about not letting things disrupt our peace. So, each day I make an intentional effort to find ways to stay calm, even in the midst of chaos.
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I’m Choosing Peace
The old me would stop at nothing to make those Christmas wishes come true. But things are different now. I have realized that going on a wild goose chase usually stresses me out to the max and kinda leaves me feeling a little bitter. Now, don’t get me wrong, I still make sure that there is a little magic sprinkled under the tree, but gone are the days of me leaving home at dawn and returning at dusk in an effort to check every single item off the Santa list.
This year, I’m choosing peace. And I want to encourage you to do the same. I cannot stress enough that your children will get over not getting every item on their list. Heck, they probably won’t even remember everything that they put on their list. And if they do (and are bold enough to question you about it), take that opportunity to have a conversation with them about gratitude.
How do I choose peace?
Choose peace this holiday season. Protect your mental health by creating boundaries and sticking to those boundaries. Make this holiday season more about gratitude and less about material things.
Am I saying that I’m not buying material things? No. But what I am saying is that I’m not allowing the fact that I couldn’t find everything on my children’s list to determine the quality of my holiday season.
This year has been difficult enough without the added stress that a Christmas list can put on you. I’m not subscribing to that foolishness this year. If the pandemic has taught me anything, it’s that we can survive without a whole lot of things that we thought we couldn’t.
I’m Taking Time to Slow Down
This one is a bit tricky. At the beginning of the pandemic in 2020, we had months of staying home due to shutdowns. However, when we picked back up and the country reopened, I feel like I hit the ground running and never stopped! Am I the only one who feels like this?
So I’m taking this time to slow down. I’m focused on doing more things for self-care and being more intentional about spending quality time with my family and friends. You know that saying, “I’m drinking water and minding my business”? I plan to do that, along with taking my vitamins and exercising so I can be healthier and happier.
I’m Going to Take Care of Me
I get frustrated when people say that self-care is selfish, and here’s why. You can not help and take care of those around you if you are stressed and unhealthy. Therefore it is absolutely necessary to practice self-care. It’s not optional.
I’m fortunate enough to have a couple of weeks off work and I’m going to use (some of) that time to take of myself. I’m going to surround myself with the people and things that make me happy. It’s my Christmas gift to myself.
I encourage you to carve out some time for yourself during this holiday season.
Merry Christmas!
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