It was the night after Christmas, and all through the house; nobody was stirring, not even a mouse. We usually associate this line with a popular story about the night before Christmas. Still, as I was reflecting, I realized some people feel such a letdown the day after Christmas, and it is because we get our priorities a little out of whack. There is a lot of hype and emotion leading up to Christmas, but we fail to realize that Jesus is the reason for the season, and he lives with us all year long. When we put our hopes and dreams into the materialistic side of Christmas or any holiday or special occasion, we will always experience a letdown. For some, it can even lead to a level of depression. I am here to share that the day after Christmas is a great time to relax, reflect, and renew for what is coming next.
The week between Christmas and New Year’s seems the most chill time. Most people are either spending time with loved ones, traveling, or giving themselves some much-deserved personal time. I like to take this time to reflect on all the wonderful things the past year has brought and how I can make the things that were not so great better. I also look ahead to finalize plans on what I would like to see happen in the coming year and make sure I have my priorities in line. I also love slowing down and spending time with my friends and family to see how they are doing and how the previous year was for them. Having conversations with one another can oftentimes help us with perspective when we are going through a lot, and it might even help us sort a few things out.
Being still with a purpose can be a difficult thing to do for many of us. We are so fidgety that we squirm at having to sit in one space for a period to reflect, give thanks, and look ahead to the next chapter in our lives. This process can make us feel out of control, and we can connect accomplishment with busyness, not just taking care of business. Busyness is when we occupy ourselves with many things to do that take up our time. However, taking care of business refers to when we know what we are doing with a purpose in mind. We are organized and have taken the time to reflect on the best method or tactic to move forward.
As we close out this holiday season, be kind to yourself and carve out some time to remain in the moment. Reflect on how good God has been to you over this past year; despite anything you endured, we made it through, which means there is hope for a brighter future. In the future, please reflect on the good, bad, and ugly in your life. When we do not take the time to do this, we oftentimes make some of the same stupid mistakes that are avoidable if we take our time and understand why we did what we did and what we should do moving forward to be better. It is never too late to start over and become our best selves.
If you do not hear from me for a bit and you do not see much stuff from me posted on social media during this time, know that I am thinking of you and praying that you and yours are enjoying each other. I will relax, reflect, spend time with family and loved ones, and prepare for what is to come in 2025. Someone once said, “The object of reflection is invariably the discovery of something satisfying to the mind which was not there at the beginning of the search. The real person smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.” No matter what is happening in the world and who is in control, I plan to thrive in 2025. I hope you plan to do the same.
Healing Without Hate: It's a choice. It's a lifestyle. Pass it on.
Visit www.WendyGladney.com and www.forgivingforliving.org to learn more. Wendy is a life strategist, coach, consultant, author, and speaker.
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