December tends to be a manic month for many people. There’s more Christmas parties to attend than you can shake a stick at, endless gift shopping to be done, little black dresses or other party numbers to be sourced, and reunions of school friends, college buddies, former work colleagues, and of course the extended family.
It may seem like you can’t not attend some of these gigs, or not do some of that shopping, but the truth is that you always have a choice. Yes, you do. Granted, it can be tricky turning down invites from family or close friends, but if you communicate your needs considerately yet assertively, you can free up space (and you don’t do anyone any favours by attending out of duty rather than desire).
Or it may be that you don’t normally have so many social opportunities that you feel you should accept every one that comes your way. Not so. If you live with a “famine or feast” expectation, then that’s how you will experience opportunities in your life. If you choose to live a balanced life in every respect, including your social life, your opportunities will show up in a more balanced way.
So this party season, why not generously space out your social engagements to allow plenty of time to nurture yourself, and still have plenty of energy by the time Christmas and the New Year hits, and have funds in your bank account to finance a social life in January too! Space in your diary is an opportunity to replenish your body, mind and spirit as much as it is an opportunity to attend another party. Fill your diary consciously. Choose get-togethers with people who really matter to you over endless work-related gigs just because the boss is paying for your dinner and there’s a free bar.
Consider the effects of all that partying on your liver, your purse and your energy levels in general. Make sure you block off nights to take care of yourself, and replenish your energy stores. Use the time to pamper yourself, write your Christmas cards, make a gift or two, cook your own “ready meals” to stick in the freezer, or any activity you find therapeutic (if it’s ironing, let me know, I can send some therapy your way).
Or you could use the time to give yourself a head start to 2008. Take an evening off to reflect on 2007 and where you want to go with your life next year. Work out what you need in place to support yourself in getting there. Create a compelling vision for how you’d love 2008 to be for you.
As the saying goes, fail to plan and you plan to fail. Though I must say “failure” is a dirty word to me. Any experience you’ve learned from is an experience worth having. But if you don’t want to keep repeating the experience, then you definitely want to get the lesson!
To set yourself up for success in 2008, take some time out now to prepare yourself mentally, spiritually and emotionally. Get clear on what you want and why you want it. Fast forward to this time next year. When you’re reflecting on your past year, what achievements would you like to be acknowledging? Based on past experience, how might you sabotage yourself along the way? What obstacles might you encounter, and what inner resources will you need to overcome them? Make a commitment now to doing what you want and need to do and, most importantly, to being the person you want and need to be.
"There is nothing like a dream to create the future." -- Victor Hugo
So this December, instead of running yourself ragged, why not deliberately give yourself some space to look after your physical, spiritual, emotional and financial needs. Instead of spending your money and your time mindlessly, do it mindfully. And above all, enjoy!
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