Winter: a time of quiet reflection; longer nights; inward focus.  The time of earth when sap runs slowly, trees rest, bears hibernate, birds migrate, and humans go berserk in a frenzy of holiday shopping, booze, and parties.

Wait.

What just happened?

OK, here’s the deal: we get to decide how we do this.  Amongst the hidden blessings of last year’s COVID-quiet, forced though it was, is the realization many of us have how much we enjoy less busyness in our lives. So, the real question on the table is how well we can define our boundaries and make choices that are authentic for us. 

Many years ago, I began what has become an annual tradition of taking a silent day every Winter Solstice, to reflect on my priorities and to ask myself whether my life choices were aligned.  I invite you to consider something like this.  A scheduled, dedicated “time-out” from the hustle and haste to ask yourself:

“What do I feel truly has value in this life? And in my life, specifically? Are my actions aligned with this?”

Meanwhile, Happy Holiday to you – in whatever way you choose to indulge.