Lately, I’ve been thinking about the holiday season and how to capture joy. In the past, the holidays have tended to come at me in a rush. There’s shopping, cooking, and merriment all around me. Some years it washes over me, almost like a flood. When the holidays are over, I feel like I need time to recuperate and recover – like I’ve been through something. Pressure seems to creep up everywhere – have I done enough? Too much?
My focus is usually on how I can express my gratitude and love for those around me. I think about giving thoughtful gifts and making sure I show how much I think of those I care about. The focus has generally been on me. What do I need to do to show those around me how much I care? Somehow, that approach leaves me depleted. It never seems like enough because I know whatever I do, it is a small token of what those relationships mean to me.
This year, I am taking a new approach. I’ve decided instead of thinking about how I can create the perfect holiday experience and to do lists, I want to focus on to be lists. I want to be present for the holidays. I want to be calm, patient, kind, and grateful. I want to let go of the image I’ve conjured up about what the holidays should be, and I want to enjoy what is. The holidays are full of awe and miracles and also full of pain and challenges. I’m ready to embrace both with confidence that being in the moment will help me find connection whatever turns up. After all, that’s really what it is all about. How can I look at the holiday season as a way to connect with whatever happens? What intentions can I sent to be the person I want to be during the holiday season?
To start, I am setting an intention to see the light in those around me. I am going to look to acknowledge goodness and beauty and to create opportunities where I can reflect what I see. I want to let the clerk at the checkout counter know how much I appreciate her friendliness, the co-worker how much I appreciate their dedication and passion, my friends how much I appreciate their walks and talks, and my family how much I appreciate their ongoing love and support. I am going to look to be as specific as possible to let people know I see their light. I want them to know I think their light is beautiful and it is the best gift of all. I also want to turn outward, let go, and make the holidays not about me.
How will you manage the hustle and bustle of the holiday season? What intentions can you set to cultivate connection and be the person you want to become?
Author: Renee Dimino
Mindful Life Connections 