Congratulations! If you’re reading this, you made it this far into the year. Can we make it a few more days? Sure, let’s put on our big people pants and start walking toward Jan. 1, 2021. There may have been moments when crossing the annual finish line was in question. Please don’t take that granted. And, simply that you’re reading my blog and that you’ve stayed with me this long, I surely don’t take for granted. You are my gift.
Thankfully as 2020 is drawing to a highly anticipated close, I wanted to share a few thoughts that struck me this morning as a means to gently nudge us one step closer. Oh boy, I sure hope better things are awaiting there. Here’s something to listen to as you read. Enjoy Simple Gifts, by American composer Aaron Copland.
Simple gifts
Self-Compassion
Grant yourself the grace to know you’re doing the best that you can at any given time. Keep in mind that the best is relative. On days when your energy levels are depleted, the times when your patience is challenged, the moments when your brainwaves are inundated with physical, emotional, financial, societal, and political complications, given the resource state that you’re in, you’re likely doing your absolute best. Take a breath, pat yourself on the back for a job well-done or even done at all. 2020 has been tough, you toughed it out.
Specific requests for grace and self-kindness this year go out to:
Medical/wellness practitioners and first responders who are working more hours than is reasonable compassionately tending to the ailing and their families with selfless regard to your own vulnerability.
Teachers and staff (including daycare workers) thinking beyond the traditional classroom to find innovative, safe methods to educate children and young adults.
Clerks, postal employees, vendors, manufacturers, utility workers who are keeping our economy humming and ensuring our basic needs our met.
Election workers and volunteers, who despite the risks, put country above their own safety to work the polls, count, and recount ballots.
Scientists and researchers using their very best training and skills to develop ways to protect us from harm and to heal us when harm finds us.
Parents, especially single-parent households who’ve had to navigate the balance between career and the needs of our young far beyond the bounds of normalcy. And to those who’ve had to weather the economic turmoil and job losses, may 2021 bring a return to prosperity.
Police and safety workers who protect us and are open to learning new ways to respond to community and community members for the health and safety of all.
Firefighters, rescue teams, and community volunteers fearlessly fighting wildfires, transporting flood victims to safer ground, and aiding storm ravaged areas and to their families as they patiently await their safe returns.
There are likely many professionals and circumstances that I’ve neglected to single out, but know that self-kindness is not just a nicety, it is vital to staying on top of your game regardless of your profession and contribution to sociey and your family.
2. Simplify
Take it easy on yourself this year. We expect so much from ourselves during the holidays. High expectations that are too high can often be perniciously counterproductive for perfectionists. Believe me I know. I’m continually monitoring my perfectionista tendencies. We want our homes to look sparklingly festive for the holidays. We want to purchase ideal gifts for family and friends. We wish to mail out professionally photographed holiday cards. We want to cook 4-star holiday meals. And mostly we want to spend time with those we love. Behind each of those wants lives a should.
To honor our physical and mental health and the viability of our bank accounts, this year, let’s let go of the “shoulds”, those potentially unrealistic and quite possibly dangerous expectations. So many things this year are not what we wanted or should be, but remember, we’ve gotten this far. We can do this. We can modify to do only what is reasonable given the current circumstances. When things get better we can revisit those expectations.
3. Breathe
Take opportunities to breathe
As silly as this may sound, how often do you notice your breathing? Unless I’m doing yoga, Qi Gong, Tai Chi, or panting on a walk, I rarely focus on my breathing. The times I need it the most, when I’m struggling with tech or feeling overwhelmed, are the times I focus least on inhaling deeply into my body.
As a holiday gift to yourself, find a quiet corner (bathrooms sometimes work great unless you have toddlers or pets—I remember those days quite clearly). Close your eyes, imagine the inside of your body, and visualize oxygen coming in through your toes. Watch as it drifts up the back of your body toward your brain. Bathe tense muscles and tired bones along the way. Hold your breath for a few seconds once the oxygen reaches your head. Then slowly exhale as you flush the air down through the front of your body soaking your organs along the route and then back out through your toes. Repeat this 5-10 times and see if you notice a physical and emotional release.
Now, let’s get ready to bid this terrifyingly freaky year adieu. Put on your walking shoes. Get ready to tread daringly, confidently, and lovingly into 2021. Who knows what’s ahead of us. I’m simply grateful for the simple gifts of family, friends, colleagues, and you being at my side as I begin another step forward. Thank you. Be well. Stay safe. Keep on being you.
