The week before my daughter’s birthday she and I ventured into our local craft store to buy goodies for her party. When we walked in, my daughter-who-loves the stage cried out loud and clear: Oh. My. God. Mom, do you see all this? Don’t they know it’s not even August 15th yet? Why is all the Christmas stuff out?
I stifled a laugh and turned her away from the lady scowling at us as she examined the quality of the silver spray-painted fake branches on the tree she stood in front of.
I love Christmas – I bet you do too! I even have a couple of those small, bright colored fake trees for tabletop or counter decor. I also have a moment every single year where I find myself thinking the exact same thing. Hmmm…is it just me, or are the holiday decorations out just a little earlier than they were last year?
This year I’ve noticed another sign things are moving right along. I’ve been seeing an upswing from writers and coaches talking about self-discovery. Finding your passion. Getting ready for next year with a plan and a mission.
This feels weird to me too.
I still have at least two months of work left for this year, right? The goals I set for myself to achieve in this year still have the possibility of being achieved, don’t they?
Because if they don’t, this year might feel like a bust. And I really don’t want this year to feel like a bust. I want just a little more time to get a few more workouts in. To sell a few more books. To maybe even start one more writing and publishing project with a new client before the end of the year.
Anyone else out there with me?
You know what, though? This time of year is full of good reminders to do what feels right for you.
If you’re motivated and inspired by the opportunities for self-discovery and the chance to pinpoint your true passion – dive in and see what magic happens!
If you’re motivated and inspired by those opportunities, BUT….you hear a voice in the back of your head saying, “wait. You still have work left to do before we wrap up this year. If you shift your focus now, you might feel let down that you didn’t stick with it.” Try using that voice as the motivation you need to take another step toward what you really wanted at the beginning of this year. Or even just last week.
Finish what you started for the year and use the energy of completion (and reflection) to propel you into next year when you’re ready. Don’t put your tree up because the neighbors have theirs in the window – do it when the time is right for you.
Sara Marchessault is a writer, publisher, teacher, and mom who is on a mission to increase joy on the planet. Through the practice of self-reflection, we become aware of what brings us joy and what does not, and we make choices to move forward or stand still. Journal writing is a powerful reflection tool that can help any of us move forward, even in the darkest of times. For ideas on how you can get the benefits of journal writing without always keeping a traditional journal, check out Sara’s book, Beyond Pen & Paper: 33 Experiments in Journaling.
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