Sometimes it’s easy to get caught up in doing, particularly this time of year. Shopping, wrapping, decorating, cooking, holiday cards, etc., etc.—there’s so much to do to make the holidays special for everyone else.
But what about you? Are you feeling the Happy, Merry, and Jolly? Chances are, not so much.
It’s easy to be so focused on the to-do list that we forget to be. We buy in to the idea that 
our value is demonstrated by what we do, and we forget that who we are being is so much more important.
Just ask yourself if your family would rather have that extra decoration, another batch of cookies, or even that extra gift, or if they would rather have you truly present, relaxed, smiling, engaged, and laughing?
If you have been going in overdrive to get everything done and as a result have been eating poorly, cutting back on sleep, skipping exercise, and are feeling the stress, how likely are you going to show up over the holidays being who you are meant to be? It’s more likely that you’ll be short-tempered, anxious, and miss most of the fun.
I think that’s been the most important reminder for me as I’ve struggled with having to let go of doing while recuperating from surgery. My ah-ha moment came yesterday when I remembered that my purpose in life is not to do something in particular, it’s to be the fullest and broadest embodiment of who I am.
No one else in the world can be you. You are unique. No one else has had the exact same experiences, or perceives things in exactly the same way. The gift that you bring to the world is who you are.
How can you rethink your to-do list? What are your priorities and what can you let go of? What do you need to do to remember the true value that you bring to the holidays?
Together we can do it!
Photo by Suat Eman / FreeDigitalPhotos.net
Goss Coaching 
Hippity, hoppity, laughing all the way, it’s going to be a great holiday! I know, I know, it’s an Easter song but it feels right for Christmas, too!
Am loving your holiday feeling and song! Not as much as I love you, of course!
You are so right….I am getting achy getting ready….
Sing with me to the tune of Let it Snow, “Let it go, let it go, let it go!” Happy Holidays, Debbie! Sure do appreciate you! Love, Hanna
This is probably one of the most stress free holidays in a long time! All shopping done – figured out that bags and decorated boxes is the fast and simple simple way to wrap (and recycle, too), so no worries there. All food is purchased and ready to cook. Just one more batch of cookies and a quick house clean and we’re set! Have even started on next year’s shopping! Ha! Wait till you see what I found for you!n Just wish we were closer.
Love you!
Mom
Awesome! Sounds like you are doing a great job! I’m ignoring that comment about next year’s present! Love you!
merry christmas … 🙂
Merry Christmas!
Merry Christmas, Hanna!! Sounds like your surgery was a WONDERFUL gift!!
Indeed it was, as all things are. Life just keeps getting better and better. Merry Christmas! So grateful for you!
Merry Christmas! It sounds like yours is going to be Wonderful!
Merry Christmas, Joe!
Well said – and quite timely!
Thank you!