As the holiday season approaches, many of us get caught up in the flurry of activity, and stress, that often comes with it: busy shopping-malls, meal-preparation, decorating, letter and card-writing, get-togethers with every single person you know (it feels like), too much food/drink, Christmas caroling, late nights, little exercise, and not enough sleep. Of course we have to do everything we see advertised in the media, don’t we? With pressures like that, is it any wonder so many of us get sick or depressed at this time of year? It can easily become too much to handle.
What’s Important to You?
I’ve certainly been there, and you know what? Maybe this is the year that you decide it’ll be different. How? By asking yourself some powerful questions. Questions that help you to define what is truly important, and meaningful. Doing this will make things much easier in setting your priorities and as a result you can make better choices around your time.
Start by asking yourself these six, and sit with them awhile to see what comes up for you:
What are my core values, and beliefs?
What causes are near and dear to my heart?
What do I want my legacy to be?
What were my most memorable experiences as a child?
Who are my idols, and why do I admire these people?
What inspires me, or truly moves me?
Taking a closer look…
Your values are things that you believe are important, in the way you live and work. They (should) determine your priorities, and how you choose to spend/invest your time. Deep down, they’re probably the measures you use to tell if your life is turning out the way you want it to. When the things that you say and do match – and coincide with your values – life usually feels good. But when these don’t align with your values, that’s when something feels wrong…and frustration starts to nag at your brain…even if you can’t put your finger on exactly why you feel unhappy. That’s because the answer is hidden just below the surface, where your conscious mind cannot go. So take some time to really think about these questions before committing to a million parties and pot-lucks this year. Choose wisely.
Discovering what you value the most…
Another way to approach it could be to rate categories like the following from one to nine. One being least important and nine being most important:
Intimate relationship/partner
Parenting/family
Friendships-socializing
Education-personal growth
Career
Recreation
Spirituality-religion
Physical health
Helping others
Asking the right questions and even using a rating system to prioritize things, can bring about greater awareness and freedom in your life. My hope for you is that you identify what is truly meaningful, so that you may begin to live your life in a way that is more in alignment with it. After all, that’s where personal peace and happiness reside. And remember, if the holiday stresses do start getting to you, I’m just an email or phone call away. : )
