How are you?
When’s the last time you answered that honestly and completely when someone asked you that question?
Usually that question is tacked onto a quick “hello,” and we give a quick answer. Something like, “I’m good. How are you?”
Rather than give a quick answer, pause. Take a moment. Think about it. How are you?
We often put a lot of pressure on ourselves, and it seems like it escalates during this time of year especially. Comparison does nothing to help the situation. We see what others are doing, and we tend to think things along the lines of…
I should be happy.
I should enjoy the holidays.
I should want to attend parties.
I should desire to be around others.
I should spend money.
Comparing ourselves and what we’re experiencing to the way others’ lives appear can be dangerous to our mental and emotional health and is almost always inaccurate. You’ve heard the phrase “picture perfect,” but that’s not reality. Anyone who's tried to take a photo with children (or animals!) in it knows the time and effort that goes into taking a “perfect” picture. The amount of pictures that are tossed far outweigh the “perfect” ones. And let’s not even start on the topic of photo editing!
Rather than focusing on comparison or the “shoulds” of this season (or any other), pause. Take a moment. Think about it. How are you?
Rather than pushing away the uncomfortable feeling of “should” and putting far too much effort into creating the “perfect” picture, meal, gift wrapping, decorations, etc., “turn toward” your heart and check in with how you’re feeling and what you’re believing - about yourself and about the world around you.
My friend, Polly Hamp with Think Differently Academy, says it this way about checking in, “Turn toward and ask what does my heart need right now?”
Kick “should” out and invite peace in. Kick “picture perfect” out and take a moment to check in with your heart.
“What does my heart need right now?” The answer may surprise you!
Have questions? I’d love to talk with you! Send me an email or schedule some one-on-one time with me. And consider subscribing to my blog where I post lots of helpful suggestions on how you can begin (and continue) this journey of recovering your blueprint!
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