It's Beginning to Look a Lot Like… I'm Losing My Mind!

Ahhh, the holidays! That magical time of year when we trade our inner peace for shopping lists, family obligations, crowded stores, and the annual debate over whose house we're going to for Thanksgiving.

One minute we're practicing gratitude, setting healthy boundaries, and trying to live in the moment. The next minute we're standing in the grocery store arguing with a complete stranger over the last can of cranberry sauce.

So much for being spiritually enlightened!

And can someone please explain when the holidays became an Olympic event? Shopping, cooking, cleaning, decorating, wrapping, entertaining, and making sure everyone has the perfect holiday experience. By the time Christmas arrives, we're so exhausted we need a vacation, a massage, and possibly an exorcism.

This year, I have made a commitment to myself to enjoy every moment of the holiday season. No more waking up in November, and the next thing I know, it's January, and I have no idea where the time went. NOPE! This year, I have a plan, so I thought I would share it with all of you.

So… here's a little spiritual wisdom for you. Just because it's the season of giving doesn't mean you have to give away your sanity! In fact, here's a mind-blowing thought… you are allowed to say no. You are allowed to change traditions. You are even allowed to buy the pie instead of spending six hours making Grandma's secret recipe. Trust me, Grandma will survive. And if she's on the other side, I'm pretty sure she has better things to do than haunt you over a store-bought pie.

And those family gatherings? Consider them an advanced course in spiritual development. Nothing tests your patience, boundaries, and ability to remain centered quite like that one relative who knows absolutely everything about absolutely everything. Now, I do not have anyone in my family like that… oh wait, maybe it's me????

During the holiday season, just remember to breathe, to smile, and if things start getting a little out of control, just ask someone to pass the turkey.

Consider this your friendly little reminder that the holidays aren't supposed to be about creating picture-perfect moments while quietly plotting your escape to a deserted island. They're supposed to be about connection, gratitude, laughter, and enjoying the people and moments that truly matter. So this year, give yourself permission to do less, laugh more, and let a few things go. The truth is, your spiritual growth does not depend on how many cookies you bake, gifts you wrap, or people you tolerate without rolling your eyes (or while rolling your eyes quietly in your head).

All joking aside, here is my detailed step-by-step plan:

1. Pick one thing per holiday that is meaningful for me to do or experience.

2. Make sure you do the thing from #1.

3. Say no when you mean no.

4. DO NOT take things personally.

Oh, and the biggest tip I have? DO NOT TALK POLITICS! We absolutely can LOVE one another and have completely opposite views on things. Remember, everyone has the right to their own views. Our beliefs and views are based on our own individual experiences.

Of course, if all else fails, take a deep breath, light a candle, and remind yourself… this too shall pass. Preferably before New Year's.

Happy Holidays! And remember, sometimes the best thing to do is to stay quiet and just shove some pie in your mouth:)