Ready, Set...

... Relax

As I thought about this piece, I contemplated sharing some tips about how we can prepare to make more strides professionally next year. In the same thought, or shall I say mid-thought, I decided that even I needed to relax...hence the title of this post.


With 10 days to Christmas, I can only imagine the frenzy some of us are in. There are still things to be wrapped up before the year runs out and many shopping runs remaining in order to wrap and send gifts for family and friends...

It's almost as if the days are flying by without saying "Hi." And as usual, the countdown from 10 is usually quick.

So as everyone is rushing around to get ready for Christmas and will likely do some more rushing around during the Christmas break, I've decided that I was so busy this year that it's time to get ready to relax - and I recommend the same for you.

It's not going to be easy but if you really want to be refreshed, recharged and ready for the new year, get ready to relax. I really like this acronym - let's look at each one:

Realize your worth - if you don't no one else will. You are valuable, so you need to relax to you have strength to keep adding value.
Enjoy what you already have - too many people are looking for more and more and spending less and less time enjoying what they do have. The wisest man who ever lived said

"After looking at the way things are on this earth, here’s what I’ve decided is the best way to live: Take care of yourself, have a good time, and make the most of whatever job you have for as long as God gives you life. And that’s about it. That’s the human lot. Yes, we should make the most of what God gives, both the bounty and the capacity to enjoy it, accepting what’s given and delighting in the work. It’s God’s gift! God deals out joy in the present, the now. It’s useless to brood over how long we might live."* (Italics mine)

Limit your labour - when it comes to thinking about work, try to unplug and focus on your family. And even with your family limit the busyness...enjoy the moments...
Adjust your values - Christmas and year-end are times for a lot of reflection so as you relax, take the time to reassess you values and make adjustments as required.
eXchange your pressures for God's peace - now this is easy in a way... It's not about presents, but about the Presence. Just abide in God's presence because in His
presence is fullness of joy, at His right hand there are pleasures,** not pressures...

So

 

In case you're looking for ideas, a spa/massage is a good gift to yourself & for me too.

References:
* Ecc 5: 18-20 - Message
** Ps 16:11 - Amplified personalized.