How many times have I heard people say “2020 what a disaster – I’ll be glad to say goodbye to it” however I think it’s important that we don’t write it off just because of the dreaded CoVid! I have to say this year was lumpy but it also has taught me a lot and I take this new knowledge with me into 2021 with a smile on my face.
If you’re feeling like 2020 was a right off, just check in with that – is it a generalisation because everyone else is saying it or is it really true? What about what you learnt this year, from the strangest year we’ve had for a few decades!
Now we find ourselves in December – Ahhhh the lead up to the annual Christmas break is exciting and so desperately needed. I have never seen so many exhausted people in the businesses I work with. This year has taken its toll mentally and emotionally. We really need to make “recharging” the most important goal to achieve this break.
We all need some fun, holiday time eating, drinking, connecting, resting all on a stress-free time frame.
Remember Christmas can be a very stressful time of the year in the workplace and for people in their personal lives. For many work stress loads triple and it seems like everyone wants something done BY CHRISTMAS! But for some, the whole Christmas period is a mass of complex social interactions with family relatives and some people you’d rather not see. Old emotional triggers get stirred up and often leave people wound up like a spring – put alcohol on top and it all turns to custard!
Sound familiar?
It seems we create a lot of expectations for Christmas – presents, food, and happy times. We seem to feel that this time of the year has to be perfect or the best or better than the last one and in fact, all the pressure comes from ourselves and the expectations we think others will have of our performance on the day!
STOP – rethink – what is the real meaning behind what Christmas is about? Especially after a year like no other where we experienced that connection with others is so much more important than anything. It’s the connection with family, friends and acquaintances, to relax and enjoy each other’s company. But for many, it becomes about presents and food and getting everything just perfect! Let’s not do that this year.
So try and relax, have fun, laugh, engage with those around you. Share the load, make it a team effort and focus on the real meaning of what Christmas is about and the part you play in this special time.
If anyone is difficult then try to rise above the situation – be the better person, in the short life we have is it really worth the aggravation and upset. I think it would be better to create happy memories.
If there are things you’d like to change about Christmas time then change them! Take one task that drives you crazy at Christmas and tackle it in a new way. A fresh approach just might make a difference.
Make this December a December you remember in a year we would like to forget!
Merry Christmas to you all and a big heartfelt thanks to you for your support and interactions. I have massive plans in the making for 2021 and can’t wait to share them with you next year!
Let’s get in touch and work together to make the change impactful, or you can visit our website to find out more!
