‘Busy’, I reply to my friend as she asks me how I am. Yes i’m busy, but i’m also struggling, feeling like i’m drowning underneath all the things i’ve said yes to. But it feels a bit too vulnerable to say all that when someone is asking you how you are in a casual off the cuff way. So I just say the first thing that comes to mind. She nods and smiles ‘Yeah me too’. Both of us just stuck on the hamster wheel of life destined to by busy buying all the presents, writing all the cards and organising all the Christmas events forevermore.
Until a couple of years ago I decided ‘Fuck it’! My sanity is way more important that spending hours writing cards to people who don’t bother with me for the rest of the year. I handed over responsibility for wrapping kids presents and organising Christmas events with his friends and family to my husband and I feel 1000 times less stressed when Christmas comes around.
My brain does not work well when it’s under severe pressure. I get even more forgetful than I already am and quite frankly i’m an utter bitch to be around.
So now I give myself some grace, don’t write any Christmas cards, share the present wrapping and some of the buying load with hubby and I create more space for myself to actually enjoy the excitement and run up to the visit from the Big man.
What could you cross off your list or delegate to someone else to create some more space for yourself this year?
Pop it in the comments below.
Now when someone asks me how I am, I have the space and awareness to be able to answer honestly. This fosters true connection with the people I’m engaging with which feels utterly delightful and brings us closer together.
If life is a bit full on (ha when is it not) I describe it as ‘Vibrant’ rather than ‘Busy’, because it feels altogether more exciting and twinkly don’t you think?
If you want to give yourself the gift of space, time for you and connecting with Nature this year then I highly recommend upgrading to paid right here on Substack.
As a paid subscriber, each Sunday (at a sensible hour don’t worry) a selection of curated mindful gardening and floristry activities will slide into your inbox, so you can simply choose one and get outside and do it. Safe in the knowledge that by doing so you are not only gifting yourself that time to nourish your mind, body and soul, but that you are also taking steps towards creating the garden you desire.
Right i’m off to get my workshop ready for this week’s Christmas wreath events and work out how the hell i’m going to create a roman soldier outfit for Arwen’s nativity during the most vibrant week of my year :)
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