Parent Challenge 6

“Your life is as good as your mindset.”

– Anonymous

Checking in to see how everyone is doing with the holiday season. I talked about Joy on this last challenge and wanted to check in to see how everyone is doing in this season. Are you taking time to really enjoy and not rush rush – rush – till you drop? Are you taking time to relax and give yourself some time to breathe? Are you finding joy or are you a bundle of stress that can’t wait for the season to be done? 

I think we all go through different levels of stress and joy every day of the holiday season. I know for myself I really look forward to the holidays, but when they get here, I feel the stress of finding gifts, sending out cards, wearing nice outfits, getting the kids cute clothes, and spending enough time with family and friends. I also find so much joy in doing these things. 

The challenge is to find the balance between stress and joy. 

How can you find that balance and help your children to find it too? 

For me it is making lists, prioritizing time to relax and reset, playing with the kids, watching Christmas movies, wrapping presents, and changing my mindset on being busy. When I know my schedule is full, as it has been lately, it usually stresses me out more (I’m a homebody.) and this is when I get really crabby. With the holidays this year, I have worked hard on a mindset of thinking -busy is good. I look more for the amazing things all around me.

For example- the other day I was driving to work after a long few days that were jam packed with events and things to do. I was starting to feel tired, and overwhelmed, and then I looked over and saw one of the most beautiful sunrises. I let myself smile and get lost in the beauty of God’s world. My whole attitude changed at that moment because I decided to just enjoy the sunrise instead of focusing on the busyness of my life. 

I challenge you to work on finding the balance that works for you. How can you tweak your mindset when you start feeling overwhelmed, so that you can come back to calm. Remember, when you are calm and less stressed, the kids will be too! 

-Kristy