By Gail Supplee Tatum, Columnist, The Times
It’s hard to belief that 2018 is rapidly coming to a close. It’s a time of reflection on the achievements and challenges of the year and, as well as a time for looking forward, with great anticipation, what the new year may hold.
Are you one of those people who were able to complete everything on your list of things to accomplish in 2018 or are you feeling anxious because you have so much to do and so little time to do it.
Many feel a sense of urgency because there are things to get done before the end of the year. Feeling like time is closing in on can be paralyzing. In order to end the year, satisfied and on a high note, that sense of urgency must be channeled, in a constructive way, so as not to that derail your efforts.
Whatever you have left to do, if anything, and however driven you are to accomplish the task or tasks, keep this in mind, for a calmer December:
- Stay in the moment. Don’t miss out on what’s right in front of you or around you because you’re so focused on those things that you want to accomplish. This last month of the year is a special, magical time of year that is here and gone in a flash. Savor each step of the way and soak it all in. Enjoy everything from decorating your home for the holidays, to enjoying the company of family and friends and everything in between.
- Set aside an allotted amount of time each day to devote to finishing up the task or tasks that are left on your list. This can be a challenge, with all of the extra activities going on, but take the time to figure out what works best. It might be getting up an hour earlier, or taking a shorter lunch or watching an hour less television, to name a few suggestions.
- Cut yourself a break if you don’t get everything done. If it looks like there are too many tasks on your list, first, take a deep breath, then categorize, by importance, what is on your list. After you do that, start chipping away at it, beginning with number one and working your way down the list. If you take the time that you have allotted each day, the list will get smaller and you will lay your head down, at the end of the day, with a sense of accomplishment. Be consistent and chip away at your list each day. You’ll find that it becomes easier if you don’t break the chain. If you need a visual reminder, take a calendar an “X” off each day that you spend your allotted time for finishing up your list. It will begin to look like a chain. Keep repeating, “Don’t break the chain!” It works!
Having given these suggestions, you may be the person who, not only has met, and possibly exceeded your 2018 goals, but you may have all of your holiday shopping completed and wrapped, all of your baking done, and can truly embrace this month with light-heartedness and a skip in your step! I tip my hat off to you!
Living in the moment means letting go of the past and not waiting for the future. It means living your life consciously, aware that each moment you breathe is a gift. – Oprah Winfrey
The secret of health for both mind and body is not to mourn for the past, worry about the future, or anticipate troubles, but to live in the present moment wisely and earnestly. – Buddha
“Keep your eyes open. Look around. See the sparkle and joy the season brings and a hope for a better tomorrow.” Gail Supplee Tatum
Looking forward to sharing with you all, in the New Year!
