The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year?
December is an interesting time of year. The elevator pitch for the holidays is filled with words like joy, love, forgiveness, and magic. It's supposed to be this spectacular time when we all remember to be just a little bit kinder and just a little bit more loving. Seems great, right?
Well why is it that we will be all smiles and laughter at a Holiday event, only to get road rage and flip off a stranger on the way back? Why do we put so much effort into buying presents and creating the perfect Christmas morning, but fail to be patient with the long lines and over-worked person at the check out counter? Why do so many of us attend church on Christmas Eve and hear a beautiful story about God's love for this world, but continue to store so much hate in our heart's for people that are different than us?
We light candles to celebrate a miracle but are too busy and tired to see all the little miracles happening around us every day.
I know everyone has a lot going on this month, but I just wanted to leave you with a little reminder that this time of year will only be wonderful if we make it wonderful, if we slow down and enjoy it. Buying gifts for people shouldn't be a chore but rather a gift itself - the chance to pick something out that will put a smile on the face of someone you love. A packed calendar may feel stressful but think about all the people who don't have anyone to see at all. Trim the fat if you need to but a full calendar is a full life, and that's not something to complain about.
If you have trouble appreciating the little things in your life, try meditating before you go somewhere. When you go out shopping there will likely be long lines and packed parking lots, it should not be surprising so don't let it steal your patience. Take some deep breaths, close your eyes, and think about what you'll do when it happens. Be honest with how frustrating it is but then do your best to prepare yourself to make it a little easier, like bringing a book to read or cueing up a podcast to listen to. When you drive places, give yourself extra time so the traffic doesn't take your joy. Have some difficult family members you'll be seeing? Take 5 minutes to think about the person you want to be when you are around them.
If you think meditation is a load of crap, then check out my post on The Tetris Effect. There is true scientific grounds for mentally preparing yourself, so take some time and maybe we can all truly make this the most wonderful time of the year.
