Finding JOY in the Holiday Hustle
During the holiday season it is easy to get wrapped up in the "to do" lists, the crowds, the calendar, and the holiday hustle. So this year, we are gifting you an Alchemy tip to make your holiday a bit more JOYFUL.
If it is true JOY that you are after this holiday season, you first action will be to double-down on courage. Did you know that the root of JOY comes from courage? Could it be possible that to experience joy, one must first practice courage?
The courage to say what you've always wanted to say, or to stop saying what you've always said.
The courage to stop doing a long-standing family tradition that exhausts you, to start a brand new tradition that makes you smile.
The courage to not host the holiday party that everyone expects, or to host a party and invite only your truest friends.
Want to hear how Sandy and Allie practiced tapping into the extra JOY?
Sandy: It was just five short years ago that I transformed my family Christmas Eve. Every year I would spend hours in the kitchen, preparing a feast for my family. And every year my family members would show up late or not at all. I was left feeling resentful, tired and undervalued. So, I made the courageous choice to trade-in this tradition. Now, Christmas eve is about beef stew in a crockpot! Yes, a crockpot meal! On this day my family comes whenever they want, leaves whenever they want, eats whenever they want and I am FULL of joy.
Allie: Growing up my family always had a real Christmas tree. We'd trek out to that rural farm, and cut down the most magnificent tree we could find. So naturally, in adulthood my husband and I were supposed to get a real tree, right? Each year the arguments were remarkably predictable - who got sap on their new jacket? Who destroyed the walls with the branches? Who picked a tree too tall, and ruined the ceiling? Then, four years ago on a cold December morning we walked downstairs to our tree defeated and draped across the floor, ornaments shattered, and presents soaking wet in water. It was then and there that I courageously declared this was the last year we'd be getting a real tree. Despite some shock and awe from my family, every Christmas season since has been filled with so much JOY, peace, ease and grace, as my fake tree stands tall and proud!
So, as the holidays near, where can you tap into your courage and access a bit more joy? One resource for your consideration that has helped us: https://www.netflix.com/title/81010166
Wishing you all a happy holiday season and an inspiring New Year!
Keep up the inspiring work and Happy Thanksgiving,
Allie and Sandy
