I LOVE this time of year! If you’re from the Midwest (where I used to live), the weather is getting cooler, the leaves are on the ground, and it's sweater-weather time! Living in Texas, it’s in the 70's and, well your still in flip flops and tank tops.
What I love most about this time of year is being with family. For most, this is the one time of year where we get together with family, and that can be such a time of fun and excitement. It can also be a source of your stress.
Not only do you have to get your house together, but you also have to find out where everyone is going to stay, make arrangements for your work schedule, plan meals, and set-up fun things to do. Many times, your routine for your health, fitness, and life balance gets tossed right out the window!
So how do you find the elusive "balance" during this crazy time of year? How do you keep everyone happy and keep yourself sane at the same time?
Try to remember these three things:
1. It's not going to be perfect. I know, I know, your hosting this year and everything HAS to be perfect. Perfection is an illusion, and it's not real! Honestly, the best stories and memories are made in the messes. Things are going to get a little goofy, roll with it, and just ENJOY your family!
2. Take time for yourself. It's gonna get crazy! There is going to be a ton of tug-of-war for your time and attention. But that is where you need to practice the discipline of taking care of you. Are you getting your sleep? Are you eating well? Are you working out? Are you giving yourself a timeout when you need it? Taking time for you is not selfish. It's necessary. You don't want to end up tossing a biscuit at someone because you are exhausted and can't handle the stress anymore. You're going to feel horrible, and you're going to be down one biscuit!
3. Don't forget to live in the moment. There is going to be family and friends, some pets and probably a lot of kids coming in and out of your house. Or maybe you will be visiting someone else's craziness. But whatever the circumstance, don't be so busy planning and perfecting that you forget to just BE with your family. Enjoy being together celebrating each other and treasuring old and new memories.
AND, don't sweat the red wine spilled on your white couch. You secretly wanted a new one anyway!
Committed to YOUR success,
Andrea
It's About to Get Crazy