And I love every second of it.
Christmas is, after all, my favorite season. This year, though, things are a little different. Much more frenetic. For the first time in a long while, I'm a working Mom. So, yeah. I'm a tad overwhelmed. Ah, right. Understatement much?
The balancing act is downright deadly. Especially since I've never done it before.
Kids. Work. Husband. House.
It's never ending, and I'm learning on the fly. Which probably isn't the best strategy, but I've been tossed overboard into the ocean. Only one thing left to do. . .swim. Like a madman. Try to avoid the sharks while deploying a plan of attack that needs. . .oh, I don't know. . .maybe 30 hours a day instead of the 24 I've been alloted.
Bummer, right? Sure, but there's an upside, too.
My level of efficiency has gone way, way up. No time to mess around. Just go, go, go as I make the most of the time I have. It's time management boot camp. . .on steroids. With my schedule wearing the boot. And while I sometimes get my a** kicked, for the most part I manage to stay one step ahead. Just far enough out in front of the craziness to avoid getting creamed.
Can you relate? Yup, I can hear the Oh, yeahs all the way from here.
The trick, I guess, is to enjoy every second. Regardless. No matter what. Through the madness of every day life. . .all the little failures and big successes. . .the disappointments and triumphs. It's the little things, after all, that bring the most joy. The stolen moments when life slows down just enough for you to see it. For you to enjoy it.
So, take a breathe this holiday season. Spend time with family, friends (heck even the dog will do), but wherever you are--whomever you're with--live in the now. Be present. It's the best gift you can give to another. But, it's an even better one to give to yourself.
FURY OF FIRE: available February 7th, 2012.
