Every year, I notice two camps arise during the holiday season. There’s the group that simply can not stand the holidays. They don’t like the Christmas music, they don’t like the commercialism, they don’t like Christmas trees going up any more than a minute before the Thanksgiving turkey is stored in Tupperware… they hate it all.
Then there’s the camp that LOVES the holidays. They put their Christmas trees up sometime in early October (because Halloween counts as “the holidays”, right?), their string lights blind their neighbors, and they still wait in line to see Santa even though they’re 43 years old (not that I know anything about that…).
In case you haven’t guessed, I fall into the latter camp. I don’t love the holidays because of the gifts (although, if you’re looking to give yourself a gift this season, might I suggest the TriFit Beginner Triathlon Platform. Sorry… shameless but still very necessary promotion). I like this season for what it represents.
Three Traditions for an Empowering Holiday Season
For me, it represents three things, which I find incredibly important. First, it represents goodwill. Yes, the cynics among us will likely say “well, shouldn’t we practice goodwill all year long?” Of course they’re right. We should. Many do… and many don’t. But having a season dedicated to goodwill and charity at least puts our collective attention toward it.
Second, the holiday season is a time to celebrate the triumphs and good fortune that happened in the previous year. “But Adam!” you might say, “2021 was a complete shit show! How could we celebrate that?!” Again, it comes down to where our attention is focused. It’s easy to see a mouse turd in snow (is that an adage? That should be an adage… a Christmas adage!), but many times you have to actively look for the positive. Trust me. They’re there despite our best attempts to ignore them.*
Finally, the end of the year represents a new beginning. The new year is a time to start focusing on setting big goals and plans to achieve them. It’s a time to ask ourselves how we can grow and continue that spirit of goodwill into the next year.
My Wish For All of You This Holiday Season…
My sincere wish for all of you is that you are able to participate in those three activities listed above.
If you are in a position to be charitable, I hope you give.
If you are in need of charity and goodwill, I hope you reach out and receive.
I hope you are able to reflect on and celebrate some amazing wins – large and small – that happened this past year.
And I hope you create an empowering vision for yourself in the next year, because you have it in you to make it happen… regardless of where you’re starting right now.
Imagine looking back one year from now. Picture all of the big wins that you have manifested in 365 days. Imagine being in a place where you are able to give – whether it be of your time, finances, or an inspirational story. I hope that vision comes true for you.
Happy training… and Happy Holidays, my friends!
*Note: I don’t want to gloss over the fact that there are MANY people who are experiencing extreme hardship, or even tragedy and loss this holiday season. It would be callous of me to suggest that everyone “just look for the positive!” amidst overwhelming pain and suffering. If you fall into this category, it is my hope that you lean into a network of support (of which many are available), and that you receive the goodwill and grace you need.