Finding Peace
The feeling I think I’m craving the most around our house this Christmas is peace. So how am I going to find it?
Here are five “just say no” strategies I am using this week to
avoid the stress and find the peace I crave this Christmas:
1) Just say no to the internet. I’m telling you the truth, the internet can suck the life out of me if I let it. When I avoid Twitter, Facebook, Blogs and Skype like I’ve been trying to do the past few days, suddenly I feel more peace because there is not so much competing for my time, energy or attention. I love the internet, don’t get me wrong, but sometimes I just have to say no to all the little things that steal my focus and energy.
2) Just say no to more. There are so many things I could do in the next few days. But when I feel my stress level rise just a little bit at the thought of DOING something, I need to find a more simple solution or not do it at all. I want to spend more time BEING and enjoying the holiday, so I’m just saying no to things that involve more time than I actually have, things I cannot afford or stress I don’t need.
3) Just say no to high expectations. I want our holiday to feel something close to perfect, it is in my nature to want to create a magical experience for my family. I could feel a little disappointed in myself for any number of things that I could have done better. But letting myself get bogged down by unnecessarily high expectations or get frustrated for being imperfect (whether it is self-imposed or put upon me by others) is too much of a burden for me around the holidays!
4) Just say no to worrying about tomorrow. Sometimes around the holidays when life in general is a little stressful (when we have financial worries or other concerns about our life), I tend to forget to find and embrace peace in the moment. When I just say no to thinking too much about looming worries, I can appreciate the more important and meaningful things about today.
5) Just say no to any projects or tasks that can wait until AFTER the holidays! I am used to being busy all the time. I’m always thinking ahead to the next thing I “should” do with my time. It is hard for me to slow down and take a break! But many “things” can wait for a week or two. Right now, it is time to celebrate Christmas and find peace in the season.
