OOPSIE DOOPSIE

The holidays are in full swing around our home. {And my handsome fella is decking the halls as we speak!} With that comes tree trimming, present wrapping, cookie baking and holiday movie watching …

Oh, yeah, I almost forgot, it also comes with last minute shopping, quick meal preparing, too much sugar consuming and invincible-thinking.

In short, we’re trying to do it all while experiencing it all. Tough stuff.

A quick example: while I’m looking up a royal icing recipe, I’m picking out a gift for the fresh, new baby of the family and answering a work email.

What is wrong with this picture?

A quick answer: Everything. This is nuts. NUTS.

I had a conversation with a co-worker last week about time management and how to juggle it all. Her words of wisdom? Prioritize what is important … and here’s a hint: the most important thing is family. I was jolted back to reality. Of course I know {and knew} family is most important, but is that reflected in every day actions? What are we doing to prevent this simple thought of putting family first as a secondary occurrence?  I can tell you exactly what we are doing …

We are should-ing all over ourselves. And it needs to stop. Or at least cool it for a bit …

| My family is enjoying a meal I just prepared, but while this is happening I should fold the  laundry that’s been sitting in the dryer for who knows how long.

| I’m relaxing with my husband and watching a movie but I should check email just one more time before bed.

| I scheduled a shopping day with my brother but I should plan next week’s meal plan and start laundry … because it always comes back to laundry.

| My daughter has a holiday tea party that requires my attendance, but I should drop her off and get a few errands crossed off my list.

| The gal pals decide a last minute get-together is necessary tonight, but I should make sure I’ve controlled every other aspect at home before going out because what will my husband and daughter do without me??? {Hint: sarcasm, folks …}

S T O P . Stop! Just stop.

Oh, Henry, you wise fella. Although this is so true in every day life, I think around the holidays it’s even more important to realize that this moment, the one you are in right now, is what matters.

I know vowing to ignore all devices and putting off laundry until January is next to impossible, but being present with those you love, even if it means leaving the phone on silent during a lunch date or putting the out-of-office message ON to enjoy the season will do wonders – not only for your dear ones but also for your sanity. For real. Also, leaving clothes in the dryer? Not that big of a deal.

I’m choosing to push off the shoulds and be completely present with my family and friends.

My prediction? Freeing myself from the unnecessary burden and welcoming lots of baking, cuddles, laughs, movies, hot chocolate, holiday car rides, catching-up, shopping, crafting and fun.

I’m done should-ing myself, at least for now. Are you with me??

Linking up with Jessica.