How is your end of the year going? I only ask because, for me, this December is rocky and frankly, unpleasant. It’s rocky because the stress is peppered with good things for me career-wise. I feel like I’m experiencing a lot of turbulence with some extended stretches of smooth flying. Let me tell you, the smooth flying isn’t as enjoyable when all you can do is anticipate more turbulence. Last week I shared Before and After photos of the House Hunters Renovation episode on HGTV that aired recently. This week I planned on sharing a few details and some product information, and I will do that next week. This week I am giving myself a break.
I don’t know how it is for men, but for a lot of women the holidays are a fantastic season to beat yourself up about things. I am great at telling myself I’m going to do something but knowing full well I’m not going to. Such as: This weekend I will bake multiple flavors of cookies and distribute to neighbors and friends like all the other women I know. Or: tonight (after dinner) I’ll put together my business holiday cards. And then there’s the: This weekend I’ll spend a couple of hours and give the house a good cleaning.
It’s fun setting yourself up to fail and knowing that you’re doing that at the same time. In addition to the burdensome, I have to think mostly feminine (guys ring in here!), guilt that I have this time of year, things are just tough. I’ve had to be a strong person this December and you know what? I don’t enjoy it nor do I recommend it. 🙂
Here’s something that has been a lot of fun for me. I may not be baking batches and batches of cookies this year, but I started a podcast about books with two friends called The Inside Flap. We will be putting out weekly podcasts and our goal is to entertain (we are not book snobs) and also to review and discuss some good books. Our tastes are mostly fiction, we are life-long readers and we freely admit and embrace our “nerdy-ness”. I’m looking forward to sitting down in our “Book Cave” tonight and recording another episode. Subscribe and listen on iTunes, Stitcher and more! If you can’t find it on the platform you prefer, let me know and I’ll get it on there!
Take it easy on yourself this month. Eat a few cookies, have some tea and relax with the ones you love. Oh, and if you need some company while you’re out for a walk, driving around town, or making batches of cookies subscribe and listen to my podcast and then drop me a note – I’d love to hear from you.
The Colorado Nest 
I have found that all these things that come into our lives & stress us, can be put in an air tight box, with the label outside, “consider how insignificant they will appear in 12 months.” If you are note able to do this, you may get what I have to live with for the rest of my life, AF, Atrial Fibrillation. Good luck, and try really hard, for your sake & those you love.
Ah, thanks – these may not be insignificant in 12 months – that’s the problem! Ha! Oh well, I’ll start a Silver Linings Playbook. 🙂
I know what you mean. I’ve had a year of extremes myself. I choose to embrace the positive for the most part, but that’s not always been true. Life seems to be accelerating with each passing year. I’m so far behind that I don’t even dream of ever catching up. I’ve decided to choose my priorities rather than letting them choose me (Mostly). Congrats on the Podcast. It sounds like fun.
All the Best,
Gwen
I’m sorry you’re having a similar year. I have embraced the positive up until just recently – at a certain point, the Pollyanna in me just needs to acknowledge that it’s a bad situation. Making priority choices is wise – it helps me feel like I’m in control of things and generally puts me in a better mood. Good reminder.
Thanks Gwen and maybe we can finish this year out with no more turbulence!
Laura