
Just let go.
That's it--so simple and so difficult. That's it. Just let go of expectations, and mile long to do lists, and all the other things that distract you from enjoying the experience.
Yesterday I talked to someone who said she just couldn't wait for Christmas to be over. She looked so tired. My heart hurt for her. She is trying to do so much, but it was obviously not working for her. We still have a week to go, and then there's New Year.
For me, the hardest part is letting go of some of the stuff that I really enjoy doing. I LOVE making gifts, but I honestly don't know of anyone who wouldn't love a gift card and a note I wrote to them. I love when people make a donation in my honor that will help someone else. Honestly, is there anything I really need that someone else is going to buy me? I also love cooking special holiday recipes, but I don't know anyone who won't survive without them.
So what is the benefit of letting go? I think it's simple--PEACE and PLEASURE. There is a beautiful internal calm that resolves when I let go (and then let go of the guilt!). And the pleasure? I've had some great moments of reading holiday books with my little son, watching him decorate and undecorate the bottom half of our tree, walking around the neighborhood looking at lights, and listening to him talk about Santa. Those are things I will really treasure this season.
How 'bout you? What can you let go? What do you want to treasure about this holiday season?
I know it's difficult, so I'm sending you some extra courage today.
An easy gift for yourself and other teacher friends is The Brave Teacher Play Day! I can't wait to spend the day playing with you!