I feel the rumble…do you?  I’m not talking about an oncoming train, though it can sometimes feel that way.  As we approach the ‘station’ of the oncoming holiday season, I contemplate how to manage it all in a peaceful way.  To those people who will be shaking their heads as they read this post, whose first instinct is to sit down and plan everything to ensure a peaceful holiday season, I say “Kudos to you!”

If I had gone with my first impulse this morning, I wouldn’t be sitting here writing this, but would be on my way to the store to pick up spices that I’ll need for the turkey and a few sets of lights to get a head start on decorating.

My mind is racing with all the joyous possibilities and the endless To-Do’s, not limited to but including: Thanksgiving meal preparations, presents, travel to-and-from a couple different states during a three-week span.  My heart palpitates as the thoughts swirl through my head.  All these things are so pleasant and heart-warming.  I just want to be able to enjoy them fully, not racing from one to the next without the ability to breathe deeply and take it all in.

Like putting logs on the fire, I want each encounter with my loved ones to fan the flames of warm relationships, savoring not only the memories but the essence of each soul.

When I tune in more closely, I detect the heart of my desire is simply to be more intentional this holiday season.  Not allowing myself to get so side-tracked by the doing that there is no time left for the being and nurturing.   After all isn’t that what this season of Love is all about?!  To treasure one another and remember how much we care for each other.  It’s way too easy to get lost in the superfluous of the season even if just through sheer busyness.

I suspect that along with planning, simplicity is an important element.  I can complicate my life in a millisecond with brilliant additions to things I’m making.  ‘Oh! ..why don’t I add ruffles to that! …and a pocket! …and then personalize it!”   Reigning in my creative side, especially at this time of year is akin to holding back Santa and his reindeer.  I get so inspired by all the possibilities but, unfortunately, they all take time.

As I’ve said before, ‘even if things are fun and worthwhile, they can still become a burden if there are too many of them.’   I decide this will serve as my mantra this holiday season….  To be intentional, I know there needs to be enough space between each activity to let in light and tranquility.

Planning, simplicity, and approaching invitations mindfully takes time and discipline; all necessary components of being intentional.  A train’s schedule is deliberate, pre-planned for efficiency, always on time, and never adds an unscheduled stop on a whim.

Like sifting sand through a strainer in my toddler years, I filter through the mounds of possibilities that vie for my attention, choosing to focus on the truly important and letting go of the rest…

~Zanne

InSearchOfAuthenticity.com

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