As we head into the busy and stressful Christmas season, I just wanted to take a few moments to say something I think is important. Love yourself. This time of year, more than any other, causes stress on people. We are inundated with commercials for fabulous Christmas gifts, with pictures of how the perfect holiday is supposed to be, with smiling families who buy Mercedes Benzes or huge diamonds for each other, with a beautiful family gathered around a beautifully decorated table — and it's easy to let these images depress you when you realize your life isn't like that.
But I want you to take a moment right now and remember that YOU are special. You can do things no one else can do. You have gifts and talents and you are important to someone. You matter in this world and you need to look in the mirror and remind yourself of that. Don't let the ideal of the perfect holiday get you down. It's probably not perfect for anyone, quite honestly.
The season passes in a whirlwind of decorating, shopping, parties, cooking, and smiling when you might not feel like it. You may not get the cards out this year. You may not have the designer tree. But so what? Just enjoy your blessings, whatever they may be, and don't stress about the other stuff.
Love yourself. I promise you there is something amazing about you. If you don't know what that is, take a hard look and figure it out. And then remind yourself of it as often as necessary. It's important. Because you're important. 🙂
We're going to get through this holiday season, and then we're going to move on to January and February and anticipate spring's arrival. Forget the perfect holiday, the perfect body, the perfect life. Just enjoy today and love yourself for who you are. That's my plan!
Lynn, you’re so right about this! The only thing perfect about the holidays is that it’s the perfect time of year to catch up with family and friends and spend time together! Heck, this year our tree is anchored with guy wires so it doesn’t fall over! Perfect? Ha! 😉 But it’s all about the love of family, not the details. Thanks for the reminder!
I shared this post, fyi. Thanks again! Happy Holidays!
Glad you enjoyed it, Betty!
Lynn, What a beautiful blog and so inspiring. It came at a good time for me. My Mom broke her hip and is re-hab wasn’t able to come home for Thanksgiving and I’m keeping my fingers/toes crossed that she will be home for Christmas. Thank you so much for your encouraging words! Diane
I’m sorry your mom broke her hip, Diane! I hope she can be home for Christmas, too. All the best to you and your family. 🙂
Thank you for sharing! Each and everyone has stuff going on in their lives and it is very important to surround yourself with positive and supporting people! I was just practicing a song for our choir and you might like to hear it and pass it along. This is the link
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=na5sY-bGwpA&feature=youtube_gdata_player
Thanks for sharing! That’s lovely – and you are so right that we need to surround ourselves with positive and supporting people!
Hi Lynn….ever since I was diagnosed with Lupus Nephritis in 2000 I am thankful for every day that I have. I start the day with a prayer of thanks that I woke up and enjoyed seeing another beautiful day. I end the day with finding at least one thing to be grateful for. I am very blessed that I have not only my family in my life but also my friends. Facebook and other social media has helped me to reconnect with old friends as well as make new one’s along the way. May your holidays be blessed with much happiness, and may the New Year coming continue to bless you with health and prosperity. (This applies to all who read Lynn’s books too.) 😀
Bless you, Alexia. You are so right that you have to be thankful for every day you have. We all do. Thanks for the reminder. 🙂
Thank you so much that was beautifully said. It is also very true. I think that is such a beautiful message. Thanks for the recipe. I also wanted to say I just purchased your latest book haven’t read it yet but if it follows others I know it will be great and can’t wait to get started reading it.
Thank you, Tamitra! I’m very glad you liked the message. And I hope you enjoy the book! 🙂 Thanks for visiting.
You’re so right about this Lynn. I’d add: have fun and relax. I love everything to be decorated to the nines at Christmas. And this year, I just don’t have the time. It’s a struggle to take a step back and relax. To remember that no one is coming over this year so there’s no need to stress out.
In short, enjoy the journey, not the destination.
Exactly, Selena! It’s all about the journey, so enjoy every day and every moment — and the things that don’t get done, don’t get done. It’s okay. 🙂