Sometimes holidays turn out completely different than planned or hoped. Most days I find myself adjusting far more than adhering to the plan, and that’s ok.
As long as no one’s being hurt and you are continually mindful to live intentionally to do what is right to the absolute best of your ability, embrace the changes that are acceptable and smile doing it.
is it always easy to smile? Nope. But it is necessary.
My little one called me on an area I’m now working to improve…the sigh. When I’m stressed, or just really don’t want to do something, or trying not to react in anger….I sigh.
I realized that the wordless reaction, if continued, could communicate irritation or annoyance. This could in turn devalue my child’s importance from their perspective even if it truly was not true. This wasn’t acceptable. So I’m working on sighing less. When I do sigh, I’m working on explaining that it’s not because of my precious little blessing. Sometimes it’s just me remembering to BREATHE.
So when another episode of your own soap opera “As the Stomach Churns and the Heart Burns” begins to play, remember to breathe.
At Christmas time, I have something that always helps me. I remember that Christmas cannot be spelled without Christ. Then I recalibrate and reprioritize, refocus and recenter.
When the chaos erupts, remember to look for the blessings. They are always there if you look. 🙂