Navigating my Christ-mess: Lessons Learned and Elevating the Year Ahead
Hey Wonderful Souls,
I hope the post-holiday calm has found its way to you. Reflecting on my recent Christ-mess, I wanted to share the chaos, setbacks, and invaluable lessons I learned during what was supposed to be the most wonderful time of the year.
Imagine this: Flu-stricken, plans in ruins, presents not purchased or wrapped and the joyous snow trip swapped for a flu battle. Social media showcasing perfect holidays? Not for me. The pressure to have a flawless experience was off the charts, and reality hit hard.
Scrolling through other people’s idealistic holiday posts, it's easy to feel the sting of jealousy. But in my Christ-mess, I found joy in an unexpected place: gifting our abandoned snow trip to someone else. A reminder that kindness and connection shine in chaos.
This experience led me to ponder the expectations imposed by capitalism and the patriarchy daily. The relentless push to spend and do more creates a perpetual sense of inadequacy, impacting our well-being. It seems to be a pattern I fall into at Christmas but one I’m determined to break.
Breaking free means recognizing the pattern and actively disengaging. It's not just about surviving the holidays; it's about protecting our nervous systems.
So, here are lessons from my Christ-mess:
1. Unplug and Detoxify: Step back from the noise. Social media detoxes and breaks from consumer-driven culture rejuvenate.
2. Prioritize Well-being: Self-care isn't a luxury—it's a necessity. This year my well-being takes the lead.
3. Reframe Expectations: Embrace life's messiness. Let go of picture-perfect illusions.
4. Gift Experiences, Not Things: The joy of gifting experiences is unmatched. Next Christmas, it's about creating meaningful moments.
Now, let's talk about moving forward. These lessons aren't just for Christmas—they're for the entire year. How can you prepare your nervous system for a better experience?
Moving Forward Reflection:
1. Start Small: How can you integrate these lessons gradually into your daily life, starting with small changes?
2. Mindful Practices: What simple mindfulness exercises can you incorporate into your routine? Think about short breaks or moments of reflection.
3. Set Boundaries: Where can you say no and set clear boundaries to protect your well-being from external pressures? If you’re having trouble setting boundaries what might be getting in your way?
4. Reflect Regularly: When can you take time for self-reflection regularly? Consider what's working well and what can be adjusted. Do you know what your values are? Are you actively living in alignment with them?
5. Plan for Joy: Which activities that bring you joy can you include in your schedule regularly, not just during holidays? Having things to look forward to feels good.
And here's a special invitation for you:
If you'd like to elevate your year ahead book a deep dive with me. I just did one yesterday with a client and it was powerful. It involves a 1-hour session followed by a separate 2-hour deep dive. I have a specific, powerful process that I will step you through that I’ve refined over years of working with individuals and groups. The process will connect with your story, identify areas for healing and help you clarify your mission, vision, and values. It's a fantastic way to get clear for the new year. This month only I'm offering the first 5 people who sign up for this at a special discounted rate of $295. That’s 3 hours of coaching plus a follow up! Schedule yours now!
Here's to elevating the year ahead,
Kate