This week kicks off the true beginning of the winter holiday season. Even outside the US, the post-Thanksgiving tradition of launching straight into gift buying Black Friday is almost a worldwide holiday. From here, it’s going to get a lot more stressful and a lot less sunlight.
It’s not just about temperature and sunlight, either. From candles and bonfires to gifts and unity, banding together is essential to the holiday season. Giving with frustration doesn’t have the same feel as the heartfelt warmth from a person at self-satisfied peace.
Atop the already difficult hustle and bustle of gift acquisition, celebratory rituals, and mandatory annual family reunions, the shorter days also bring about seasonal affect disorder, reduced physical activity, and vitamin deficiencies—more than enough distractions and demands to derail even the best laid self-care plans.
Before my Ego trip, I stumbled upon the idea that pursuing rewards, results, or general expectations was actually working against me. While the paradigm shift is a great goal to work toward, it wasn’t a direct daily solution. A few days later, I started thinking about ways to fix my life’s big problems. There were many techniques nd tips to use, some of which I already did! Yet all those things together may not be enough to face off against the winter struggle against the cold. In fact, it may actually work against me.
I’m not worried. I’ve got a plan. 👍
Let It Go, Letting Go
Normally, I’d go with the age-old method of letting go of anything and everything in moments of overwhelm. Buuut… I’m looking for a better solution this year. Don’t get me wrong, it’s a great emergency plan to stave off or recover from burnout. Mentally releasing all my obligations to the Void can have an incredible impact! However, as I grow into my self-care journey, the need for more dependable solutions grows as well.
Point blank: if there is a way to prevent starting over, I’m willing to give it a shot.
Letting go is always in my back pocket if need be, but before that I’d like to have something more adaptive to the situation itself. A plan that takes into account the increased likelihood of winter burnout from the start, so maybe it doesn’t happen in the first place.
This winter, I’d like to shift my perspective between the two perspectives of “do it all” and “let it go” to find a third, middle-of-the-road tactic. One that I can use starting now that will ebb and flow as I do without any additional effort. A tactic that’s easy and effective as well.
Yeah, I think I can swing that. 🤔😁
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