As the end of the year approaches it can get chaotic and overwhelming with work getting busy (everyone wants everything done before Christmas), kids finishing school, all the end-of-year functions and everything else that you need to organise and prepare for Christmas Day.
Here are 3 easy to follow and simple life rules to live by to ensure you enjoy this season and are living at your highest and best self. These rules are great all year round.
1. Don’t Compare
This time of year it is easy to compare, as the conversation’s focus changes to what are you buying (usually for kids) or doing for Christmas.
As you listen to the response do you find you question yourself on whether you have brought/given enough (especially for the kids as you don’t want them to miss out), are you doing enough or that you don’t have enough traditions with family/friends?
Do you find that the guilt comes in as you go to the shops to buy the pie or dessert as opposed to making it yourself from scratch or that you put your Christmas decorations later than you wanted?
STOP! Stop comparing yourself to others. Firstly what you see especially on social media may not be as it is. Secondly, you are doing an amazing job keeping it together, be proud of yourself.
How do stop comparing? Appreciate what you have, a healthy family, that you are thoughtful and can give gifts and time to you, the clothes you get to wear, running water, loving relationships, a roof over your head, food to eat and so much more. Look around there is an abundance of things we can be grateful for in this life. Focusing on what you have will help you minimise comparison to others.
However, you have goals you want more, is that so bad? Definitely not!
I love the term Ed Mylett uses “blissfully dissatisfied” where you appreciate everything you have, love your life and still want to strive to do and have more. I believe that is the secret sauce to life.
2. Celebrate Wins
Celebrating big milestones and achievements is easy as there is a clear reason to celebrate such as graduation, finishing a project or buying a new home.
There are many other little wins in our life that deserve to be celebrated and recognised. Some examples may include walking away and not participating in gossip, staying calm in a situation that you previously would’ve gotten angry about, being present (eg with your kids or partner), staying focused on a task until it was done or that all the Christmas gifts were wrapped in time (even if it was 1 am Christmas Day when you finished š¤£š¤£).
These are all worth celebrating and acknowledging yourself for whether it be with a cup of tea, a pat on the back, time to yourself or a treat.
You will find that focusing on what you have done (your wins) will uplift and inspire you. Then as you get into the habit you will naturally start focusing more on what you are doing and how you are progressing as opposed to what you have not done. Which will increase your happiness and joy in life.
3. Make Life Fun
We are all merely players in this game of life and since it is a game we get to set the rules and choose how to play. Since it is up to us we may as well make the journey fun and enjoyable.
Look at ways you can add fun and spice into your life in your everyday tasks. Set a timer to see if you can beat it as you get ready, put music on and dance as you do the dishes or say a joke at a work meeting to get others to laugh are a few ideas that may brighten up the day.
Finding more ways you can have more fun, will energise you, relieve stress and make life more enjoyable. Plus having fun and being happy is contagious. Think of the difference you can make to others.
Remember Christmas like anything else will come and go. It may not go to plan or exactly how you envisioned it. However it is your choice in how you act, what you focus on, and the memories you create. Make it count and fun.
Please share any ideas or thoughts below in the comments on how you have fun and celebrate wins.
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