Tis the season for... exhaustion?
On setting ourselves up for a more peaceful holiday season.
This is the first time in a quite a while that I wish I wasn’t writing publicly (on my Substack). Part of me wishes I was sliding silently into your inbox, a private conversation between just you and me.
Maybe it’s the darkness that’s increasing by the day that lends a more quiet air, or the cold outside and the fuzzy blankets I’m beginning to curl up under, ready to begin hibernating for winter.
It’s just that hibernating or even slowing down doesn’t feel like much of an option for many of us this time of year (in the US anyway). We’ve just finished up Thanksgiving, and the quick slide into Christmas has begun.
There are trees to decorate, presents to purchase and wrap, plans to make with family/friends/work…
Many of us eventually come up for air every January, a little haggard, wondering what just happened. Or how we exhausted ourselves yet again (will we ever learn?!) Or why we feel so empty after what is supposed to be such a joyous holiday.
It can be hard to hang on to the sacred call of the season. Wintering. Resting. Going within.
So what to do?
For me, I know I have a lot to focus on for the next few weeks. I’m preparing to move my dance studio to a new location (yay for expansion!), talk Human Design with new clients (can’t wait!), and launch some new offerings in January (super excited!)
Even though I’m working on some awesome stuff, my calendar is full. So being intentional with how I spend the pockets of free time I do have will be key if I want to create the peaceful holiday season I really, really want to experience this year.
Luckily…
“It doesn’t actually take very much to make the deepest part of us incredibly happy.” - Burgs
A small moment like this can mean everything. 👇🏼 It can bring us right back to who we are, remind us of what’s important.
That’s what I’m after this holiday season. Even if I still end up tired at the end of it all (which is highly likely), at least it’ll be a more satisfied kind of tired. I’ll have enjoyed the simple, beautiful little things that make up a life…
Running my fingers through the horses’ winter fluff while feeding, lingering a little longer when kissing my kids goodnight, holding my husband’s hand while we stroll downtown to look at the lights…
I’ll wish the same simple beauty for you if you’d like. ☺️
And if you’ve any insight to share in the comments, I’d love to hear:
How do you slow down and savor this time of year? What sacred practices inspire you and help you stay more connected? And lordy, if you live in the southern hemisphere, how do you celebrate Christmas in the middle of summer?! I can’t imagine. 😜😂
Peace to you and yours,
Hannah
