Buckle up, friends. The holiday season is upon us. This is a super busy time of year for artists, entrepreneurs, and creatives of all kinds. We’re working hard to meet holiday orders, we’re selling at more shows, we’re even creating gifts (often on request) for our families and friends. Put on top of that all of our own holiday preparations and hosting duties.
One of the hardest things for me these days is simply keeping track of all the communications, instructions, and invitations coming in via text, Messenger, LinkedIn, e-mail, and even the occasional phone call. Half the time, I can’t remember how each person contacted me in the first place!
It’s a goal of mine year-round to find ways to support artists, artisans, and entrepreneurs in my community, but as the holidays near, it feels even more important to do so. I plan my days carefully to pick up items I need when I’m in that part of town, not just to save myself time, but to cut down on my carbon footprint.
My old self accepted every invitation this time of year. I’m not sure if I was doing so out of obligation, excitement, or fear of missing out. Maybe all three. This year, I’m tracking my energy more carefully and saying no when I need to. As someone who enjoys doing for others, I’m learning that the more I take care of myself, the more energy I have to do for others.
I admit, I lately started falling into the trap of trying to make everyone happy this holiday season. My energy healer told me I have only one job this year, to do whatever it takes to stay in my highest vibration. I need to resist the pull of fear, frustration, anger, even exhaustion (all things that lower your vibration). Because the better I feel, the more I can do. Or maybe, on some days, the better I feel the less I will do.
In other words, to really enjoy the holiday season and to truly give to others, make sure you give to yourself first. There’s no guarantee that raising your own vibration will raise the vibration of those around you, and according to my energy healer friend, that’s not the point. The point is, there’s a better chance we can make a stronger impact and move a little closer toward making people happy in a way that is authentic and not forced if we first feel good in ourselves.
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