It’s December and there are three things
we can count on at this time of year-
the holidays, Nutcracker ballet performances and hockey games.
The images of light, graceful dancers
in beautiful costumes moving to Tchaikowsky
across a large stage contrast sharply with
pucks bouncing randomly off hockey sticks and
sliding across freezing ice.
The former feels flowing, flexile and filled with ease.
The latter feels jarring, violent and dangerous.
While our intentions are for “ballet days,”
there are many times when
the unexpected or unanticipated arises.
We move from the stage to the rink.
Looking for a lesson, the positive or the humor
in these times can help us respond
with more resilience and grace.
During the holidays especially,
we can become the hockey puck.
We bounce from one commitment to the other
and rush to complete everything from
work projects to wrapping in a time sensitive crunch.
The good news is that some of these things are within our control.
Here are some strategies (you don’t even need a ballet bar).
- Focus on what you are really saying yes to and what you are saying no to.
- What are the real priorities?
- Are you the only person who can accomplish this?
- What can you let go of?
- How do your expectations align with reality?
Instead of bouncing around through the holidays
(or other times of year),
focus on how you can create flow through your
mindset, commitments and actions.