Choosing to embrace the dark and have some fun
I often encourage you to ask yourself, “what do I need?” At this time of year we’re very aware of what needs to be done for Christmas, for other people, for work before the Christmas break, but what about you? Get into the habit of stopping and asking yourself, “what do I need?” and if you’re stuck for an answer read on as I share a method that might help you come to up with ideas.
I have to confess that I’m not a lover of winter. A diagnosis of seasonal affected disorder about 17 years ago helped me to realise that I’m not alone in this. My light box is my best friend at this time of year.
That said though, I’m always determined not to have a miserable time. I go all out to make sure that I get the most I can from this season and ensure that I enjoy as much as possible. This has become more important than ever to me since my cancer treatment. I do this by being really intentional. In previous years I’ve written myself a list of the things that I love about the season and want to make sure I don’t miss.
A couple of years ago fun was my word for the year and I got into the habit of writing a fun list at the beginning of each month. That habit fell away early this year but I’ve now reinstated it and have started my fun list for December. I wrote the list with the idea of giving myself lots of choice as this isn’t about creating a to-do the list. Instead it's about having a pick and mix of activities I can choose from to give me a much-needed winter boost.
My list for December inevitably includes a lot of Christmassy things. I’m looking forward to:
Indulging in one of those ridiculously sweet coffee shop Christmas drinks
My first mince pie of the season
Lighting the Advent candle
Putting the Christmas decorations up
Having a walk after dark to look at all the decorated houses
Singing at the carol service at our local church
Listening to Christmas music in the car
Listening to Christmassy audio books
Watching Christmas films
Walks on icy cold days with clear blue skies
Drinking my morning tea outside all wrapped up on a sunny but freezing day
Having a day when I all I do is read
Going through the Christmas Radio Times and circling all the things I want to watch
Mass on Christmas Day
Singing Messiah with my choir
Eating breakfast on dark mornings with the Christmas trees lights on
Knitting while I list to carols
Reading that list, the darkest month of the year doesn’t seem that bad. In past years my winter list has been so full of Christmas things I’ve got to January and February and struggled a bit. Instead, this year I’m looking forward to writing a fresh fun list for January.
What about you, what’s going to be on your list this month? How are you going to ensure that you’re intentional? How will you prioritise your priorities not just everyone else’s? How will you ensure you give yourself what you need? I encourage you to give it some thought.