It was the night after Christmas and all through the house, nobody was stirring, not even a mouse. We normally associate this line with a popular story about the night before Christmas, but as I was reflecting, I realized there are people who feel such a letdown the day after Christmas, and I think it is because we get our priorities a little out of whack.
There is a lot of hype and emotion leading up to Christmas, but what we fail to realize is that Jesus is the reason for the season, and He lives with us all year long. When we put our hopes and dreams into the materialistic side of Christmas or any holiday or special occasion, we will always experience a letdown and for some it can even lead to a level of depression. I am here to share with you that the day after Christmas is a great time to relax, reflect, and renew for what is coming next.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s seems to be the most chill time of the year. Most people are either spending time with loved ones, traveling, or giving themselves some much deserved personal time. I like to take this time to reflect on all the wonderful things the past year has brought and how I can make the things that were not so great better.
I also look ahead to finalize plans on what I would like to see happen in the coming year and making sure I have my priorities in line. I also love having the ability to slow down a bit to spend time with my friends and family to see how they are doing and how was the previous year for them. Having conversations with one another can oftentimes help us with perspective when we are going through a lot, and it might even help us sort a few things out.
Being still with a purpose can be a difficult thing to do for many of us. We are so fidgety that we squirm at the very thought of having to sit in one space for a period with the sole purpose of reflecting, giving thanks, and looking ahead for what the next chapter in our lives might look like. This process can make us feel out of control and we connect accomplishment with busyness vs just taking care of business.
Busyness is when we occupy ourselves with a lot of things to do that takes up our time. However, taking care of business refers to when we know what we are doing with a purpose in mind. We are organized and have taken the time to reflect and think things through on what the best method or tactic would be to move forward.
As we close out this holiday season, be kind to yourself and carve out some time to just be still in the moment. Reflect on how good God has been to you over this past year, despite anything you had to endure, we made it through, which means there is hope for a brighter future.
Moving forward, take time to reflect on the good, bad, and ugly in your life. When we do not take the time to do this, we oftentimes make some of the same stupid mistakes that are avoidable if we just take our time and understand why we did what we did and what should we do, moving forward, to be better. It is never too late to start over and become our best selves.
If you do not hear from me for a bit and you do not see a lot of stuff from me posted on social media during this time, know that I am thinking of you and praying that you and yours are enjoying each other. I am going to relax, reflect, spend time with family and loved ones and prepare for what is to come in 2025.
Someone once said, “The object of reflection is invariably the discovery of something satisfying to the mind which was not there at the beginning of the search. The real person smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.”
No matter what is going on in the world and who is in control, I plan to thrive in 2025. I hope you plan to do the same.
Healing Without Hate: It’s a choice. It’s a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
