*Gasp* You Want Me to What?!
Photo by: Kinga Howard
As wonderful as the holiday season is, it doesn't come without it's headaches, heartaches, challenges…and growth opportunities!
One area I've noticed bubble up with my clients is…high standards.
Having high expectations of yourself and others is a buzz kill. It can ruin any potential for joy, connection, and feeling good.
If you want to experience more goodness, the directive is simple: Lower your standards.
*Gasp*
I know. As a former Broadway performer and perfectionist in recovery, this has been a life-long journey. Accepting and embracing reality in all it's flavors—messy, mundane, average, and sometimes downright terrible—continues to be an evolution.
Loving what is, that is the opportunity and the work of a lifetime.
In this season especially, it's easy to feel less than. A better mom would've made the costumes, baked the cookies, ordered the presents, gotten the children to their rehearsal on time, and done so fully present with a smile on their face. And, here you are, showing up late, frazzled with store bought cookies, thinking about the twenty other tasks on your plate today, unaware that your socks don't match and you're in your slippers.
The ideal isn't real.
Humans aren't robots. We aren't designed to be polished and perfect all the time. Neither is life.
Being human is messy and unpredictable. Every day brings its own set of circumstances and the fact that you're showing up day in and day out for yourself and your family… Well, that's enough.
I mean it. That truly is enough.
You late with store bought cookies and disheveled hair, texting your mom about how you are doing Christmas dinner different and facing her disappointment—yes, amber that is enough.
How can that be?
Because it's honest and real. It's you doing your best, showing up moment to moment. What allows you to do that is your LOVING. And, what I know for sure is that your loving is more than enough.
My encouragement is to keep that in mind this season…and always. What truly matters isn't showing up in the right clothes with the right baked goods, having a flawless party, or even making everyone happy—that's not your job. It also happens to be impossible!
What truly matters is your love.
How much messy, imperfect, honest love can you bring to yourself and your loved ones this season?
I invite you to play that game.
Not only does it require less effort, it's more fun and brings you closer to yourself…and happiness.
Don't take my word for it. Test it out for yourself. I dare you! ;)
Wishing you more goodness, joy and authenticity this season and always.
With loving,
Amber
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