5 Things That I’ll Be Doing This Festive Season
The “silly season” as they call it can be a chaotic time for many. There is so much going on, and as the changes to our routines are disrupted, we can experience anxiety, stress, unease and even disappointment or a little unhappiness. Of course, nobody wants this shit to infiltrate what’s meant to be an enjoyable, jolly time of the year, but it does, and I get it!
Over the years I have tried to relax, and although not always successful I feel I have learnt a thing or two. Unmet expectations are what I see as the most significant problem. We head into the festive season with beautiful visions of how things will be and yet when they don’t play our as expected; we become shitty, annoyed, and dissatisfied. The same is valid for how most of us experience life, right?
What I have found in previous years is that how I wished for things to happen were usually outside my direct control. The lesson – stop trying to f*&king control shit. We can attempt to influence the situations and events but never control them. So relax and embrace the joy.
Awareness has been the critical element to helping me better manage this crazy time of the year. Pause, relax and be present. Stop foreboding the moment in preparation for what’s next. Stop trying to chase away the fun with thinking about probably or negative futures. Don’t stress about things being perfect as they never will be. Let the good times flow.
In an attempt to be present and able to enjoy the good times here are five things that I will be doing this “silly” season to try and savour the flavour that this season brings.
Reflect – Connect – Give – Rest – Plan
In good practice, this will surely lead to a heightened level of fun and happiness. That’s what it’s all about.
Reflect
It’s a great time to reflect on the past year. Seek meaning and learnings from all the wins and failings of the year. Reflect on your Why and how well you’ve aligned your journey with your values, dreams and desires. Reflect on what’s important in your life and all that you are grateful for. Try avoid the temptation reflection has on moving us into the thoughts of the future as this can separate us from being present.
Connect
Connect with those you love. Connect with those you haven’t had a great chance to be with throughout the year. Connect with those people that you’ve been avoiding, if this is the case for you. Most importantly connect within. Find time to search your soul. What are your dreams, what are your passions, what are your needs and desires, what are your values and how congruently have been living with these?
Give
It is the season to give to give. Of course, giving should be part of our everyday lives as it enhances our sense of fulfilment and brings us closer to joy, however, our busy lives often mean we don’t give as wholeheartedly as we otherwise wish to or could.
Give your attention, love, heart, time, help, authenticity, and expression. Give as much as you can but not until it hurts. Bring compassion to the arena as it can help dissolve the needs of the small self and help embrace the needs and desires of others. The benefits that come from giving are massive.Rest
We need to switch off. It allows us to recharge the batteries. Sometimes when we continuously go so hard, it becomes difficult to switch off. It can also be the case that when you love what you do, those passions that become your life, are tricky to remove ourselves from. Indeed this is the case for me. However, I must! By disconnecting from our routine and experience, we will be in a better position to tackle the New Year fresh and empowered.
Plan
This is the time to plan for 2017. However, as I have said already it’s essential that in planning, both physically and mentally, that we don’t become distracted from being present.
I believe it’s best practice to schedule some time for this. Set aside half a day or a few hours here and there where you can map out the year ahead. Planning and preparation is an excellent investment of our time. If you can, try doing this before all the festive season celebrations.
There are many others things I think I could benefit from. Here are a few in list form.
- Avoid social media other than from wishing others well and making real connections.
- Bring balance to the pleasures that encroach our time, alcohol, food, sex etc. Try to find some other healthy pleasure activities.
- Be mindful to remove myself from toxic situations and drama.
- Think of others and not the needs of myself.
- Don’t waste time sleeping my downtime away.
- Explore new experiences and adventures.
- Read.
- Sing, dance and play.
If you’ve got some other suggestions, please put them in the comments section below.
Have a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
Further Reading and Resources
TED Talks: Ideas worth spreading
Elite Daily: The Voice of Generation Y
Four Hour Work Week: How to escape the 9-5, live anywhere and join the new rich.
The Minimalists: How to pursue a minimalist lifestyle and be happier.
Mind Hacks: Tips and Tricks for Using Your Brain
Rich Roll: Plantpowered Wellness Advocate
The Art of Charm: Build confidence, feel comfortable and networking differently.
The Art of Manliness: Encouraging men to be better husbands, fathers, brothers, citizens.
Tiny Buddha: Simple wisdom for complex lives.
Mind Body Green: Lifestyle media brand dedicated to inspiring you to live your best life.
Zen Habits: Find simplicity and mindfulness in life.
Creative NonFiction: “true stories well told.”
Barking Up the Wrong Tree: science-based answers and expert insight on how to be awesome at life.
The Positivity Blog: Practical articles on happiness, self-esteem, productivity and social skills.
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