In a fit of overwhelm while
decorating this week I declared "I'm done!!" I unceremoniously rewraped what ornaments had not already been placed, boxed everything up and demanded (not told, not asked, not sweetly requested) that Alan take everything back upstairs and put it away.
Yes, I had a fit. Not my proudest moment, I admit. I can go through the whys and what fores of it, but to every toddler melting down in
the grocery store, every parent exasperated by yet another task to squeeze in while trying to create holiday magic, to every retail worker exhausted by customers, to anyone who is feeling frayed around the edges and more than a little raw for what ever reason- I see you. I hear you. I am with you.
In other news I will be taking some time off to rest and enjoy some down time and celebration. While not because of my
fit but certainly in service to my frayed edges, the timing is good to make some space to sink into the dark heart of the year and feel into what seeds may be waiting there. I will be back here with you sometime in January. But before I whoosh off to nap and vision and indulge in sweet treats and gifts, here are some final tiny things for 2024 that maybe opens a spark or two of magic for you.
Shall we?
1.
It is enough.
Pared back effort is not a failing but rather an honoring of capacity. It is enough.
After my fit and after the boxes had been cleared I realized
that there were plenty of decorations to create a festive mood. There are enough lights hung, even though half the strings came out of storage not working and there is not a strand to be found in the half dozen stored we checked. Plenty of ornaments are hung, even though not all of my favorites found a place on the tree before said fit occurred As for those that did not make it, I will look forward to seeing them next year.
The vintage elves that graced my childhood did find their places in the tree, which is all for the best I think. Don't want to rile up the elves.
2.
And if it is not enough there
space for that too.
In other words, extend grace to your
self and to others. We are all really doing our best to do our best. And, sometimes our best is less than we had hoped.
Unmet exceptions creates disappointment but allowing some space to honor what didn't go as planed is one of the best self-care/kindness things we can do. I am not saying it is the easiest, but it is the most loving.
3.
Once the flurry settles, the calm is joyous!
The hard part is letting the calm rise before rushing into another flurry. Finding contentment in the frazzle, intentionally acknowledging what is right, what got done, how you did well, is a balm to the pull of perfection and demand for more.
While I am not proud of my fit, it cleared the way to let go of the ways I was striving for holiday cheer rather than enjoying holiday cheer.
I am a work in progress. You are allowed to be one too.
4.
There is no right way to do the holidays. Just your way. The same is true of life.
Some years you don't put up all the ornaments, and maybe have a fit or a good cry (or two). Maybe these years are about feeling the shifting nature of what is wanting to emerge. Some years are all about being nourished by the traditions of the past. Maybe these times are about being fed by those who forged
the path before us. Then there are years that are...just what they are. Imperfect and bit bumbling. If I am honest, I find most years are a mash up. Emphasis on the imperfect and bumbling. That is not to say this lacks it own kind of beauty. I mean, Santa may be discombobulated and upside down but look how those light glow in the rain!
As this year closes
and a new one opens, my wish for you is to find your own way through the threshold between years and into a life that is truly yours, aligned with heart, imbued with soul, and enchanted with sparkling magic.
May this time of long nights offer new perspectives infused with the wisdom of your soul. May they fill you with hope, with inspiration, with opportunities as yet unknown. May you always seek beyond what has been to find what is possible.
Thank you for opening your inbox to me this year. I
appreciate you.
Until next time, Sandi
Share:
The Sensuality of Living Oracle Deck awaits for those seeking more connection to themselves and their lives through gentle reflection and action. Pulling a card to two is a great practice for the
New Year.
Take a look here. I may be resting and revealing but I would be great fun to scurry down to the post office and get the right off to you if you desire.
