I'm a workaholic and a social media addict, something I'm trying to get better at balancing, I wrote a blog post earlier this year about ways I'm trying to be more balanced in life, work and play. I think it's all about figuring out what's worth spending your time and energy on and letting yourself take time off and take a step back. For me for example, I know spending as much time with my family as possible is key, I never want to look back and wish I spent more time with my Grandparents for example. I want to live my life knowing I gave my family my all. We live in a work-work-work world and the pressure is immense, so I'm trying to be kinder to myself where I can be. I was replying to a negative comment the other day and my brother said to me: do you want your gravestone to say: 'spent time replying to trolls?' And as morbid as it is, he's right. It got me thinking, we are on this Earth once, I know I'm getting philosophical here but it's true, use your energy whilst on this earth in a positive and worthwhile manner, you don't want your gravestone to say 'spent time replying to negative comments' or even worse 'spent time writing negative comments'. Basically, a reminder that life is short so to embrace it. I know we all have bad days, it's normal but hopefully this is a timely reminder to soak up life because life in itself is a blessing and so many people would do anything to be breathing and living.
When I was younger, I'd go through the Argos catalogue and have a huge list of gifts. I guess everyone goes through that materialistic patch, for me, now it really is who’s around the tree that matters rather than what's under it. I sit and get so excited seeing my family opening their gifts rather than minding too much about what I've got. Infact, this year I genuinely just want to see my family happy and healthy. It can take bad stuff to happen in your life to get to this stage though where actually possessions mean nothing. Yep, I love a nice handbag, some flowers and some chocolate - you wouldn't be human if you didn't but honestly, I'm excited to sit and have a laugh with my family because I feel blessed to be able to sit round the table with them and know some people won't be present at Christmas this year for many people.
Over the last few years I've been giving a number of local charities hampers every Christmas/Easter because there really are so many little ways you can make someones day, particularly in the run up to Christmas. I was talking to someone recently who told me he used to hate Christmas because his wife died during this period a few years ago and he feels lonely, you wouldn't know if you saw him as he's always smiling but it's worth checking on people. I actively try to look up from my phone and smile at people now when walking through the street as you can easily make someones day just by smiling, having a bit of eye contact or even saying hello. I used to work in retail and made a conscious effort to chat to every customer, it's such a nice way to chat to people and brighten their day. I'm so happy he's part of an extended family now so he says he doesn't feel as lonely as he used to and he actually looks forward to Christmas now. It really is the little things during Christmas time. Your presence can truly make someones day. Giftwise this year I actually ended up taking my family to Rudding Park in Harrogate, one of our favourite spas. It was so nice to switch off and spend some family time together. I also took my brother and boyfriend to New York as a birthday/Christmas present, it meant we could make some amazing memories. Granted, these things cost so much money but for me I just thought f*** it, life is too short, my brother needs this. Last year, I bought my family vouchers so they had to actively go and do things together, such as meals out, spa days and afternoon teas, it just meant they had to actively make plans to spend time together rather than constantly stressing over work.
Whilst Christmas is the most wonderful time of year for many, it's the darkest time of year for many too and I guess I just wanted to hammer home the fact that I feel so grateful to be able to take a day or two off and soak up quality time with the people I love (I know so many amazing emergency services work tirelessly over Christmas to keep us all safe - so thank you to those wonderful humans too). I feel blessed to have these people here, in my life. You have no idea what's around the corner and I just want to live my life, loving the people close to me and squeezing them tight. We've had a rough few years, as I'm sure many families have but a smooth sea never made a skilled sailor and you have the power to be present this Christmas and really make someones day, whether it's your old best friends, a stranger in the street or your brothers. So, pick up the phone, call someone, go for that coffee you've been putting off, grab a glass of champagne and have a giggle, those deadlines can wait. Sit with your Grandad whilst he tells you the same story over and over, laugh whilst he bickers with your Grandma and tell your brother you love him. You cannot beat actual interaction and making memories because in the end, it's memories with people you love that matter, not a deadline, not a follower number, not a spreadsheet.
How are you spending your Christmas?
You might also like:
Don't forget to follow me on bloglovin! to stay up to date with my posts!
I would also love it if you could subscribe to me on YouTube here!
No comments:
Post a Comment