We Moved
November 28, 2007
If you’re a Midlife’s A Trip reader, you may wonder why the blog doesn’t look the same. We just moved to Wordpress and aren’t quite unpacked yet. That’s why the look is different and you don’t see the resources and other usual info in the blogroll.
We’ll have things together soon–along with a fun new header. So be patient while we unpack and decorate. We promise it’ll be worth the wait.
10 Ways to Avoid Holiday Overwhelm
November 28, 2007
As we head into December, I’m already starting to feel the pressure of holiday overwhelm. Do you know what I’m talking about? Gifts to buy, cards to mail, decorating to do, food to fix, money to spend–say that again–money to spend.
It’s enough to drive you crazy. But holiday overwhelm is just a mindset that everything has to get done and be perfect. So how can you scratch out a little joy for yourself in the days leading up to the holidays? Here’s my list of 10 ways to stress less this season:
- Make a list of what to buy and do.
- Then take 5 things off the list that aren’t absolutely necessary.
- Create a simple time line for getting things done.
- Play favorite music while doing holiday chores.
- Simplify existing holiday traditions.
- Pick names for giving gifts at the office and at home.
- Give gift cards (ones that don’t have an expiration date).
- Blog holiday greetings and send an email link to family and friends.
- Invite a few friends over to share a little holiday cheer while you decorate.
- Say everyday "I am grateful to be here to enjoy this holiday season.
What ideas do you have for avoiding holiday overwhelm?
Menopause Mommy
November 26, 2007
My sister is the menopause mommy–52 year old first time mother of a 3 year old. I used to think she was crazy to want the mom experience at her age but she is a wonderful mother. Wonderful enough to venture out to Toys R Us on the day after Thanksgiving. On second thought, maybe she’s a saint.
My niece Maddie spent the night with me so that my sister could get up at 5am to shop. My sister got to Toys R Us at 5:30 and immediately called to say that the parking lot was jammed already. Once she got into the store, there were wall to wall shopping carts. Employees were directing traffic–in the store.
This is really the first year that Maddie has created a list of what she wants for Christmas. So armed with that feedback, my sister navigated through Toys R Us and found most of what Maddie asked for–but not the child-size $250 remote control princess car that Maddie could drive around. My sister decided–wisely–that if anyone in the family was going to get a new car to drive, it was going to be her.
As she stood in the checkout line, my sister called to report on her success. You should have heard the sense of accomplishment in her voice as she told me about getting around Toys R Us without a shopping cart collision. This coming from a mother who has studiously avoided big box toy store for the past 3 holiday seasons.
I’m so proud of my sister. She did the day after Thanksgiving early morning run to Toys R Us, got everything she needed to buy and did it all without a hot flash. Kudos to a great menopause mommy. I’m glad it’s not me.
The Definition of Fear
November 24, 2007
The other day I was taking a coaching class and we were discussing how fear can block us from the things we really want out of life. Someone in the class threw out this acronym and I’m throwing it out to you:
"F" = false
"E" = evidence
"A" = appearing
"R" = real
Is there any false evidence appearing real keeping you from something you want?
I’ll Have a Second Helping of Gratitude
November 23, 2007
Ten things that I have to be grateful for this Thanksgiving holiday:
- My 88 year old mother is doing pretty well and was at Thanksgiving dinner with us.
- The foot I broke last week is not my driving foot.
- We didn’t get the several inches of predicted snow. I’m grateful for a reprieve from winter weather.
- I had a wonderful conversation this week with my dear friend who is my age and suffering from Alzheimer’s.
- Our family was together for the holiday and although Dad has passed on, we held him with us in spirit.
- I connected with lots of friends and family this week.
- I came up with a great idea for marketing my coaching practice at an upcoming networking event.
- I finished another module of my coaching program. Only 10 more classes to go.
- My 3 year old niece spent last night. Although she was asleep soon after she got here, we hung out this morning, wore pink PJ’s and watched the little sponge guy who lives in a pineapple under the sea.
- And as I’m sure the Pilgrims were when they celebrated the first Thanksgiving, I’m just glad to still be here.
-
Karen - Midlife Coach
