Tools for Transformation Tuesday: Press the Pause Button

During a recent conversation about holiday plans a friend confided, "I just don't have the energy this year. Can't we fast-forward to January?" My heart broke at her honest expression of this all too common sentiment. The carefully crafted images portrayed on social media and a culture of competitiveness can leave anyone feeling inadequate if they can't host the perfect meal, give the perfect gift, wear the perfect dress, and flash the perfect smile throughout the seemingly endless parade of holiday parties.

But can I let you in on a little secret? There is no such thing as perfect. And unless we embrace this important truth, we risk losing our opportunity to experience the simple joys of the season. So before you waste any more precious time striving for something that doesn't exist, press the pause button and reflect on how you want to end your year.

What memories do you want to carry into 2016? Do you want to recall the stress of hosting an elaborate dinner party or remember the great conversation you had with friends over takeout? Do you want to count the number of obligatory holiday events you felt compelled to attend or savor the comfort of curling up in front of the fire? Do you want to spend hours shopping for the perfect present or share the gift of being present with loved ones? 

Wishing you a peaceful and joyful season...