It was up to me
I want you to have an intentional and satisfying holiday season so over the next five days (yes, one a day) I’ll be sharing some of the steps I use to care for myself so I can be present with my people in ways that feels connected, present and joyful. I hope you find this useful.
On the continuum from introverted to extroverted, I'm pretty far over on the introverted side of things. But, I grew up not knowing this about myself because I really do love being with people. I just can't do it for too long without getting drained.
Unfortunately, I used to, unwittingly, put myself in situations, especially around the holidays, where I would be overwhelmed and overdone by too much time with others. As a result of not knowing myself and what I needed, I would slip in my brain -- From a human brain state (easy-going, fun-loving and connected) to a more mammalian brain state (crispy, cranky and annoyed).
For too long, I made it about the others, "If she/he/they would just stop bugging me, I'd feel a whole lot better!" And, it would make me want to avoid holiday gatherings.
But!
I didn't want to miss the good stuff. Nor did I want to be annoyed and judge-y and wishing people I love to be different.
I did want to be in the mix, genuinely feeling connected and appreciative and loving.
Over time, I realized in order to make that happen, I was the one who needed to make the shifts.
It was up to me.
So, for the past 20 years (no joke, this has been a serious PROCESS and I'm still working on it) I've been exploring how I can stay true to my introverted/easily dysregulated self AND be connected to the people I love the most. Especially when life is full and festive and ripe with opportunities to be together and to make rich and meaningful memories.
For sure the check in prompts are a tippy top tool I use.
And, there are others.
This week I'll pull it all together and share how I "pull it together" (and show up as the me I want to be) this time of year. For myself, for my family and for the bigger circle of people I interact with and love (that includes this community!)
Each day this week I’ll share my steps for more connection, presence and joy.
Read the next blog in the series, I had to get honest.
JOIN ME!
Saturday Slow Down - Steady Through the Holidays
Available On Demand Now
Give yourself 3 hours to pause, write and hear yourself so you can gain clarity about what lies ahead and set some clear intentions for how you want to move through the holidays.