Is Something WRONG With Me?

I’ve been checking out social media on and off over the last month, and I’m always both impressed and stunned by what people can pull off during the most difficult most wonderful time of the year.

How does everyone else out there DO IT ALL??

All those parents who make their little Elves jump off the shelves and perform death-defying feats - EVERY SINGLE NIGHT…

The people who run from party to party, looking fabulous & pulled together - having FUN FUN FUN!

Those organized people who are DONE buying their gifts, and already have ‘em wrapped up - underneath the tree they decorated WEEKS ago -

I mean - they’re obviously professionals, right?

I’ll be honest with you: I CRAWL Through the holidays. I can barely decorate my house - and it brings me very little sense of enjoyment.

Is something wrong with ME?

This question has been on my mind. Of course, social media – the highlight reel of everyone’s life – makes it more apparent how much I’m not doing. And I know I have low standards. But I only have one kid, and on many days I can barely keep it together.

I’ve been talking to myself a lot about standards and strategies and needs.

For example, I’ve given up trying to make Christmas extra magical, because it’s just not my thing.

(“Given up” might be a stretch: I don't know if I ever TRIED to make Christmas magical…)

If it’s YOUR thing, that is totally awesome! I applaud you and thank those of you who don’t judge me for being awesome in my very own, low-standard sort of way.

And here’s my question: during your awesomeness, are you complaining? Because if your choices don’t serve you anymore…if they make you unhappy…or if they don’t fit into your lifestyle, then why keep choosing them?

When you try something once and don’t like it, it’s an experiment. A learning opportunity. Maybe even a mistake.

And when you do it over and over and over again, it’s a choice.

I say this a lot, and I’m going to say it again: it’s perfectly fine to change your choices. You are allowed to change your mind. To say, “No thank you.” To say, “Not this year”.

Are you sliding through December thinking, “Why do I keep __________ (drinking/eating/smoking/sitting around/shopping/spending hours on Instagram…).

Are you complaining about your behavior or choices?

Check in with yourself. What no longer serves you? December is a great time to transition – Believe me - I’m doing it myself over here, too!

Noticing our behaviors around this stuff is never easy…so don’t judge yourself if you realize - Oh, hey yeah - lookee there. I’m complaining about this.

Oh hey, heah - lookee there - YOU”RE HUMAN!

Want something different? Then let some changes start to happen…some will make you happy, some will make you uncomfortable.

What works? What doesn’t? Just get curious with yourself.

And as we slide into 2020, with Great Hopes and Big Plans, be sure that your choices serve you, your wants, your needs, and your lifestyle.

You don't have to do anything the way that other people are doing it. And the sooner you let yourself be nice to yourself - without judgment and with some kindness - the easier it is to achieve your desired goals!