As the leaves turn the landscape into a colorful palate, we look to the preparation of the holidays to come. Our lives revolved around family and friends, pumpkin pie and turkey. We can get lost as we enter this season of Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Now while we have a moment between putting our little monsters to bed and remembering the saints, let’s take a moment to center our own lives in order to bring to the holidays a bit of perspective.
What do I mean? Take five minutes and write the answer to: Who am I? or Who do I wish to be?
Go ahead, I’ll wait….
Yeah, I felt the same way. Take a deep breath, lay down your pen and think on what your wrote. Kind of scary. Maybe you didn’t know where to start. That’s okay, we’ve all been there. Before the holidays start taking control, try to answer the question of Who You Are.
Let’s take a look at some of the options.
Spouse, mother, father, sister, brother, aunt, uncle, friend and so on.
Don’t forget to add your profession, your part-time job, your hobbies, your responsibilities. Yikes just making the list is exhausting.
Now, add your personality traits. Are you happy or sad, friendly or scrooge, planner or procrastinator? Are you an introvert or extrovert?
Everyone waits until the New Year to make resolutions for 2012. I wanted to take some time before the holidays to plant the seeds of finding out who you are or who you want to be before the holidays take over and we’re caught up in the whirlwind of life.
Five minutes are a good start, but take the opportunity to really think and make plans to change how you experience the holidays based on who you really are. This takes some thought and practice. By the time New Year’s rolls around, you won’t be searching for the right resolution, you’ll have it firmly planted in you mind.
This week Kristen Lamb talked about Are Successful Writer’s Just Lucky? I found her post enlightening and timely to the question Who I am. Her message is about perseverance and planning as much as luck no matter if you’re a writer or banker. Those that stick to it will of course be viewed as lucky by those who did not.
2011 has not come to a close, but it’s never too early to plan for 2012.
Are you taking the challenge?
Lovely post Nancy. I too find myself asking these questions this time of year. The Celtic New Year begins November 1st so perhaps you, me and others feel an ancient pull to re-evaluate in the autumn instead of January 1st. Kristen’s post was powerful. I’ll be setting goals and perservering right along with you!
Wonderful thought provoking post, Nancy. I often avoid those very questions, especially the , what do I wish to be, one. For a daydreamer like me…well.
As I get older the first question is not as hard. I’ve actually found the answer to life– many wouldn’t agree with the answer but it is my truth.
I really do enjoy your post. The variety and the sea as you foreground make me remember. Thank you.
I enjoy having you aboard for the journey Dannie. And, it’s not what other’s believe we are that’s important. When we live what we believe, perceptions will change.