Winter Garden Magazine December 2018 | Page 37

Ultimately, there isn’t a special formula that works for everyone. Just hold it together as best as you can through December and the rest of the year will be a cake-walk.  We all travel diverse paths with different tools and knowledge at our disposal to achieve our goals – holiday or not - especially the most crucial one of being content. The truth is humans as a whole definitely don’t have it together.  Well, maybe the ones with a black AMEX card or those on their seasonal humanitarian missions, but the rest of us most likely don’t - and that’s OK!  In fact, so many people are dealing with bigger issues or obstacles we couldn’t fathom, or are utter train wrecks on a collision course with their own form of failure.  So, take proper stock of your life and know that it’s all good.  Own it, rep it, take pride in where you are regardless of how many gifts are under the tree. You’re not in a competition for how good you look, how much money you have, or for the best parent award, so chill!  You’re good and so am I. wrapped presents to our in-laws as if you weren’t worried sick about whether or not they’ll enjoy the singing fish you bought them last minute. We’re all making it up along the road, hoping it turns out in the end.  Don’t envy others while coming down on yourself.  Rather, revel in where you stand.  We’re diverse, which is beautiful.  Our mountains are different heights and compositions, our rewards, whatever the manifestation, are custom-made.  Remember, they don’t have it down perfectly either. They can be falling apart at the seams behind their bright red pout.  Some have made due with what they’ve been given to create a good life, which is something to truly admire and strive for.  I’m trying to remind myself that we can’t all fit into the same skinny jeans someone else looks good in.  Our lives are as they should be for us. Let’s remind ourselves that we are lucky enough to be alive and able to celebrate this festive time together - not as competitors, but as friends and family. Hold it together as this season can be a rough Not everyone can cope around this time of year, and ride, but you’re not in it alone. Happy holidays from one certainly not everyone one has it completely figured out.  hot mess to another! We are all faking it to a degree as we present wonkily DECEMBER 2018 | WINTER GARDEN MAGAZINE |   37