First, let me say…I LOVE the holidays! I want Thanksgiving and Christmas to feel and look like a Hallmark movie. I enjoy fixing a big meal for a house full of people. I like coordinated wrapping paper and perfectly set bows. I like the tree gloriously lit and worthy of being in a magazine. I know some of you feel me on this and some have already stopped reading. The holidays easily have the potential to become the most stressful time of the year. One of the blessings of being a blended family is that it forces us into approaching the holidays in new and flexible ways.
Changing expectations – I’m learning ever so slowly that it’s not lowering my expectations or even giving up on them. It’s changing my expectations. I can still fully expect incredible, special and blessed moments to come from the holiday. Here’s the mind shift change for me. Those incredible moments are not defined by me. They aren’t created by me. In fact, rarely do they even have to be planned by me.
Looking for the good stuff – Changing my expectations is so powerful because I’m free to look for magic moments as they happen. A good way for me to practice is to look for ways I can help that will go unnoticed. The view is incredible as I go about those ideas quietly and with a smile. In the ordinary moments of peeling potatoes, sleeping in or having another cup of cocoa, I’m no longer working toward a goal. Instead, I’m enjoying the goal. Time together.
Be gentle – When I am demanding too much of myself, experience around here has proven, that these demands are likely to be deflected on others. Everyone is left feeling like we don’t measure up. This goes directly against what the holiday season is all about. Deep breath. I am worthy and I don’t have to measure up because of His love!! If I let love and humility overwhelm my heart, then it just naturally overflows to those around me.
I still bask in every Hallmark moment that comes my way, but my perspective has been forever changed. Here’s to embracing the traditions that are right for us right now.
From R7 to you —
Be a blessing.
