So we are about 12 days to Christmas and the excitement, tiredness, and joy are all mixing over. Some moments I can’t even tell you which one I am in. I am also finding that I also have had mixed moments of sadness too. So for all of those who are having to push through this season, push on through. It can be hard because everyone wants you to be super jolly. I am more jolly because of my kids but if I am honest, the jolly times can fluctuate often.
I was reminded of how pushing through is a necessity when I had to deal with my kids. They keep me grounded because I can’t tell them to come up to where I am not. So that within itself, keeps me on my toes. However I have increased a few things along the way that help me keep it together.
Podcasts
I am starting to get into podcasts. I listen during my first machine of working out. Then I switch back over to music for my second machine. I listen during work as well with one headphone in and one headphone out. I am hoping for cordless headphones for Christmas to make listening so much easier and fluid. However yes, podcasts are doing it for me. I love them. I haven’t found one I can recommend yet, I feel like I have to go through many in one series before I can just put my stamp of approval. When I do, I will recommend some for you.
Planning
So I am a planner by nature. Although we are knocking at the door of 2018, my first quarter calendar is already super full. I am going to have to be at the point, to say no to a few invitations going forward. I love doing things but doing the most is not happening in 2018. I need to have some me time, family time, and bae time. I can’t come to everything and I am not going to feel guilty about it. So if you get a decline this year or even next year, know I love you, but being thinner is in my waistline, not my mental state or my pocket. I am making sure that I plan a lot of fun things I want and fitness classes, etc My goal is to work on being whole this year. I finally got a good balance in all areas now we going to be whole and balanced. Also I am in the early stages of planning a me trip. I thought about opening up to others and I haven’t fully ruled it out, but I will begin by planning and then opening up instead of having a full pow wow getting opinions and then going from there. I want to do activities that I want this year and I am going to do them. I love people but times I am an introvert and I want what I want. This is the year of going after it all!
Coming Late, Leaving Early
I hate being late for something. I will be the type that will once late not come because I hate all eyes on me. However I am enjoying attending things late and leaving early. I have not been able to fin a way to multiply myself so all of these events are doing the most. We are at points where I have to literally stop through. I can’t be at full events unless it’s a wedding. I am like at best 2 hours. I had someone get mad that after they had a function they wanted everyone to get together and shop afterwards. I was like, Sis, this is a no. I have somewhere to be even if that place is home with my shoes off watching football. Let me live!
Some folks stay getting offended, I going to need some understanding especially those who consistently text you or make a group invite a week before your event. If you have a December event, and you trying to make numbers, you are going to have to tell folks in a timely manner. I feel too at times, those who are going to be there will sacrifice but let’s keep this all the way real, this type of mentality is out-of-pocket. Yes, those who will be there but that type of word choice, is stale and I hope folks realize the power of invitations and giving out the information early in 2018. I used to think that but then again I also give folks information early as possible.
Take a Deep Breath
Also I take time to enjoy my favorites. I probably working out more because it’s a great stress reliever. In addition that has allowed me to enjoy a glass of wine here and there and a donut too. I enjoy my favorites around this time. I am not going to kill myself while I am trying to maintain my sanity and waistline. So with that being said, if you see me with a piece of cake, charge it to the game. It is what it is and happiness for me comes in many forms.
So I really take it up a notch for the next few days leading up to the holidays. I still have to do my movie night with the family with my hot cocoa bar. Today is national cocoa had I been in the full mindset, I would have had it prepared but I am not so I will do it next week! Enjoy this time. Take it from me and don’t let anyone take you there to where you are super angry over a thing. This means in driving too, parking spot wars, get together at family and friends, nothing. Take this time in. However if you are struggling know you’re not alone. Do what you need to do so that the time of the year is overwhelming you. If you are constantly saying I can’t wait for it to be over, there may be a few self-care things you aren’t employing and you need to do so quickly.
As far as updates on what I am the fam bam are doing, you can catch them here, ToiTime Blog
Our weekends are super full so there will be more to post as they happen. Other than that, have a great holiday!
