Christmas is less than two weeks away! The year is over in less than three weeks! Are you stressing? Are you racing around trying to get that perfect gift for you kid, spouse, parent??? Are you putting in long hours at work to make year end deadlines? Are you reflecting back on your resolutions and goals for this year and feeling disappointed? I know many of us are doing exactly these things, beating ourselves up and stressing ourselves out in a variety of ways at what is supposed to be a Joyous time of year. I admit to beating myself up for not organizing my time properly these last two weeks, not mailing out a single Christmas card and stressing over not reaching some of my goals for this year. I will be wearing my I Am Chasing Joy Holiday T-shirt a lot over the next few weeks to remind myself Tis The Season To Chase Joy. But I am also going to focus on one of the best pieces of advice I have ever received and be kind to myself.
Wearing my #ChasingJoy Holiday shirt today for holiday lunch with my co-workers. #TisTheSeasonToChasingJoy #ChasingJoyTees A photo posted by Arlett (@chasingjoy) on Dec 10, 2015 at 6:46am PST
Sadly I do not remember exactly who gave me that bit of advice to credit them. I remember it was said to me by an older white woman right after my dad died and I'd broken up with my boyfriend. It was likely someone from my book club because the only other older white women in my life are from work. I doubt a co-worker would have reached out to me in that way. This person knew what I was going through and she said "Arlett, be kind to yourself".
As I type this I have to admit life is really good and I am blessed. I am so happy that I am not in that dark place that I was at the time the advice was given. However, the advice still fits. Now is not the time to beat ourselves up or stress ourselves out. Now is the time to be kind to ourselves and Chase Joy. Give yourself the gift of kindness these last weeks of the holiday season.
