It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
One of the most identifiable images this time of year is a roaring fire. I love fire. It symbolizes so many things: life, security, purification and transformation. However, when not properly managed, a fire can fizzle out leaving no life and warmth. It may also roar out of control becoming chaos and destruction. What’s my point? The things that we are passionate about are our fire.
How are you tending yours?
Maybe your fire is too hot.
You’re trying to do everything. You’re working and rushing and toasting and hosting and adding things to your calendar as if you’ve never heard the word “no”. The thing about a fire is that if allowed to go unchecked, it will consume all the fuel around it until there is nothing left. You can’t do everything and trying to will only burn up everything you’ve got leaving you worn out and unable to enjoy what really matters to you.
Stop, breathe, prioritize. Smokey the Bear’s words still ring true “Only YOU can prevent forest fires.” Only YOU can set and maintain the boundaries that keep you from being consumed by your own fire.
Perhaps your fire is too cold.
A fire can’t thrive if it’s not fed. Survival skills 101 teach you that without a fire, you’re dead. In my idyllic mind, we’re all at home, “nestled snug in our beds while visions of sugar plums dance in our heads”. We’re drinking hot chocolate and watching Christmas movies with our loved ones. In reality, some of us are tired, frustrated and trying to figure out how to finish Christmas shopping and make ends meet. The weather’s been dreary and we’re feeling weary and wondering how much farther we can go.
My advice, don’t become so consumed by what’s going on around you that you forget to stoke the flames within you. If you love to read, then commit to doing it. Even if you only take 15 minutes a day. Desperately in need of some alone time? Take it. Even if you have to park your car in a lot and watch people walk by while you’re eating doughnuts and drinking a latte. Do what you need to do for you. Make the things you love a priority, so you don’t end up going through life like a zombie (i.e. dead man walking).
Don’t let your holidays become “hell” days. In this season of love and celebration, don’t forget to love and celebrate YOU.
