The Importance of Priorities

I don't know about you,but I struggle with priorities. Instead of moving gracefully through my day I am guilty of many stops and false starts, as I push relentlessly on until there's no more energy left. Then I find I've spent all my time on something I didn't like and ignored the things that matter to me.

I know most of us are guilty of this. We think that once we do 'one more thing' we'll sit down and enjoy ourselves. Yet once we do take the time to relax, we've gone past the point of no return.

That's when the anger and crankiness sets in and we create conflict in our lives.

Case in point is the holidays. Since they are coming quickly, I'm sure you will remember how it was at your house last year.

Generally speaking, we know what snares we seem to fall into every year and we vow to do things differently. I think we forget, however, once we get our decorations down and house back in order, how stressful it truly was. We forget the time we spent slicing and dicing for a new recipe no one really liked. We buy way too many gifts we can't afford and give them to people who don't need them.

I think we have great intentions but we go about it all wrong.

So here's a few suggestions that might help you finally enjoy the season you work so hard to make special:

1. What do you value about the holidays? Is it the decorating? If so, focus on style and design and forget about offering the little candies and cookies that stress you out. If you identify festivities with food, concentrate on the little details that promote your interest.

2. What isn't stressful for you? If your idea of a wonderful Christmas is taking the kids to see Santa then make that a priority and forget about hosting the big party you dread every year.

3. What do you want your friends and family to remember with fondness (and not quake in fear when they think of it): a white elephant gift exchange when Uncle Leroy got the Billy Bass wall plaque that wouldn't shut up, or the sight of you having a meltdown because the poinsettia print on your tablecloth didn't quite match the pointsettias on your cloth napkins?

It's all a matter of making memories ahead of time. Is what I'm doing right now going to resonate happily as I think back on it later? Do I want to overwork and overplan and underenjoy yet another holiday?
It is important to have your priorities in the right place. NOT what someone else thinks is necessary but what you do well and can enjoy while you're doing it.

Truly, most people don't think about what you did or didn't do at the last family gathering. If you're happy and at ease, they'll remember the great conversation and the fun they had relating to everyone there.

So consider your priorities and let the other stuff go.

p.s. Don't forget to email me @ stlwazzy@aol.com if you want a free copy of Top Tips for Managing Anger.