Is it possible to find balance during the holiday season? This can be a stress-filled time between the parties, shopping, wrapping, and comings and goings of our loved ones. There’s an atmosphere of flux and movement. While perfect balance is an unrealistic goal, there are ways to navigate this time to encourage less stress and more joy.

1. Adjust – We often expect things to happen in a certain way...”our” way. Those expectations can extend to how we’d like others to behave and act. While it’s reasonable to have certain expectations (like you invite people to a party and if they say they’re coming, they’ll be there,) it’s unrealistic to expect that people won’t cancel at the last minute or ask to bring an extra guest. Life happens and things don’t always go according to our plan. Being flexible is a useful strategy. It will help reduce the holiday season stress.

2. Marvel – There are moments of joy to notice and embrace wherever we turn. From watching your children enjoy one another’s company, to seeing your holiday table filled with your family and friends, to smelling the sweet scents of burning candles, to tasting that first morsel of homemade apple pie, to laughing until the tears roll down your cheeks, the season offers many opportunities for joy-filled moments. Engage your senses and your heart. Focus on what you see, feel, hear, smell, and taste. Appreciate the joy.

3. Let Go – Especially with guests around, we want everyone to be happy, get along, and feel “festive.” Or, is that just me? Big surprise. We’re responsible for own behavior and moods, but we have no control over others. This time of year can include big transitions that are accompanied by questions and uncertainties. Our youngest daughter will graduate college soon, and our oldest daughter is making plans for the next part of her journey. While they know what they’re doing today, fast forward a few months and life will be different. We can give our emotional support, but we can’t live their lives for them. Focus on how you can help (if help is even wanted.) Then step back and let go. This will result in less stress for you and them.

4. Organize – We each have different ideas about what it means to be or feel organized. There is no one way of being, doing, or structuring our lives. However, figuring out what makes sense for you can greatly enhance how balanced you feel, especially during the holidays. For me, having easily updateable “party” lists, knowing where my entertaining supplies are stored, and making time to plan party details with my husband, help me to feel organized. Invest the energy and time in discovering the organizing strategies that will work for you. If you’d like help strategizing and implementing organizing solutions, call or email me anytime.

5. Select – We love to say, “yes,” don’t’ we? However, especially during this season (well, any season, really,) remembering the other option, “no” is just as important. There will be many invitations for fabulous events and parties. The options for fun are abundant. However, being selective about what you choose to do, will allow you to enjoy even more the events you do attend. It’s about finding your balance between “yes” and “no.” Look at your calendar. Consider your energy. Then decide.

6. Create – Getting your hands, mind, and body fully engaged in creative pursuits is a wonderful way to restore balance and reduce stress. During this season, there are many opportunities to engage in these types of activities, but you might not think about them in that way. A slight perspective shift can turn the most innocent of pursuits into creative adventures. Some of my recent creative play included making a new soup recipe, decorating the Thanksgiving table, writing in my journal, arranging flowers, taking photos, and playing Charades. There’s nothing quite like activating our creativity (in whatever form it takes) to energize us.

The holiday season is here. Do any of these strategies resonate with you? Do you have others to share? Come join the conversation.

This is the last post for the year. It’s a quiet day, which comes after several lively days filled with family, friends, and gatherings. This is a reflective time of year as I sit here wearing my cozy socks and sipping a warm cup of Earl Grey tea.

When I finished writing my post, I asked our daughter to give it a read before sharing it with you. Cassie exclaimed, “That’s great, Mom!” Over lunch, we continued our conversation. She said, “The list is too long. I got lost in it and couldn’t focus. And the post doesn’t have any spark.” Now that’s good feedback! Then she added, “Would it be so terrible if you started over?” We both burst out laughing. She’d gone from, “that’s great” to telling me what she really thought.

You can’t ignore the truth. In the spirit of Cassie’s honesty and the connections they conjured up about this time of year, I opted to rewrite this post. The long list is gone, the message is more focused, and hopefully you will feel a spark.

Lists - In thinking back over the year, did you include too much on your list? If you had edited more, would you have experienced better balance? Were there too many “shoulds?” Was it challenging to prioritize and focus? In looking ahead, include what is most important. Be selective so you don’t feel overwhelmed. Make the lists want/need-based rather than should-based.

Passions - Was the past year draining? Maybe you didn’t include enough of what you’re passionate about? What energizes you? Going forward presents opportunity. Add the spark! 

Beginnings - One of the fabulous things about this time of year is our ability to reflect, reset, and dream. We get a “do-over.” This is the ultimate gift. Let go of what didn’t work. Release your fear. Embrace the possibilities. Start over.

As you reflect back and future think, what do you see? As we transition from one year to the next, allow clarity and hope to flourish. Wishing you and your loved ones joyous, focused, and spectacular days ahead.

I’m grateful for the perspectives you continue to share in this community. I always love to read your ideas and appreciate your comments. Come join the conversation. What are you thinking about as this year comes to a close?

What is the relationship between balance and passion? The answer will vary for each person. While there are many things that delight my eyes, soul, and body, my philosophy is to find a balance somewhere between complete immersion and moderation.

Even though I’m passionate about purple, I wouldn’t want the entire outside of our home painted that color. I do love however, having a purple front door. While I adore spending time with family and friends, I also need solitary time. What can say about chocolate? I love, love, love it, but I wouldn’t want to eat it for every meal.

Can we have too much of a good thing? For me, it is that balance between total indulgence and moderation that helps me to more deeply appreciate the many things I’m passionate about.

The holiday season is upon us. It is often filled with excess. Feeling balanced can be compromised by over-doing, over-shopping, over-eating, or over-engaging. Remember that you have choices. Pay attention to your limits so that you can fully appreciate what makes you joyful.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. How do you balance your passions? Is balance important to you? Come join the conversation.

Sometimes in the pursuit of balance, we need to cut ourselves some slack. As I find myself in the midst of the sparkle and activity of the holiday season, including parties, upcoming personal and business events, planning for the next months, along with all the regular “normal” responsibilities, I’m feeling that frenzy, bordering on overwhelm which often accompanies this time of year.

I have written frequently about “me time” and practicing good self-care. While it’s always important to do this, it’s especially true when stress levels elevate. So, instead of writing a long post, this week, I’m going to reduce the pressure and keep this short.

I encourage you to listen to your voice, to do less if that helps, and to take care of yourself. What restores your sense of balance?