The Perfect Holiday Gift-Time: Three Steps to Free Up a Gridlock Schedule


by Mary Bauer - Date: 2006-12-16 - Word Count: 386 Share This!

The headache, the hassle, the rush; more than once I've heard Christmas described as such. The shopping is an absolute chore, and those darn cards don't address themselves. To accomplish everything on our lists will take a miracle. Fortunately for us we've entered the season of miracles.

What is it we want? Every one of us must answer that question to have what we truly desire. For most the answer is simple: more time-time to spend with family and friends, and to enjoy life. Perhaps even enough time to volunteer some of it to others.

Here are a few easy steps you can take to free up a gridlock holiday schedule:

1. Live each day as if it were your last.

If you were to die today, what would you regret not doing? By keeping this question foremost in your mind, you'll quickly discover what is sincerely important to you and what truly deserves your time and attention.

2. Put things into perspective.

Don't let a fearful imagination get the best of you. So many of us run around fretting over the perfect gifts, the decorating, the menus and so on. We wear ourselves out making these minor thoughts into major issues. We miss the magic of Christmas by trying so hard to make it magical. If what you're stressing over now won't matter next week, next month, or even next year, then forget about it and move on.

3. Never do anything out of obligation.

Ask yourself this time-saving question before making each decision: Am I doing this because I want to, or because I feel obligated to do it? Obligation is the feeling of constraint of indebtedness; it is not the same thing as responsibility. If you feel obliged to do something, then refuse for it's tough to fit joy into your life with every moment cluttered by obligation. Know that your strongest desire, the one that brings energy and enthusiasm, is the right choice for you.

This season give yourself a true gift-the freedom to enjoy your life. Be thankful for the moment without looking too far ahead. As the old adage says, "The past is history, the future a mystery, but this moment is a gift; that's why it's called the present."

Copyright Mary M. Bauer. You are free to use this article in part or full provided you include the bio.


Related Tags: holiday, time, stress, christmas, life, season, present, miracle, gift, perspective, schedule

Mary M. Bauer is the author of five books, including The Truth About You: Things You Don't Know You Know (VanderWyk & Burnham, 2006). Visit http://marymbauer.com

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