10 ideas for a rejuvenating holiday season in this brave new world.
Dear Friends,
You have worked incredibly hard this year. I have seen you balancing not only the usual stresses of work and life, but also the new demands of Trump-era activism. You have tackled professional challenges and shown up to confront the toughest political year in many of our lifetimes.
It has been my privilege to join you in that work along the way. Thank you for all you have done, are doing, and will do to fight the good fight. I appreciate you.
Fortunately, the holidays offer a chance to recharge, recommit, and strengthen for the work ahead. But it feels a little different this year, yes? In that spirit, I offer you these 10 suggestions for a rejuvenating holiday season in this brave new world:
1. SLEEP.
If you can only do one thing, this is it. Everything flows from here.
2. UNPLUG.
A digital detox clears the mind, creates time, and quells the noise of so. many. talking. heads. Plus, it is an act of resistance to say NO to social media's dark side: constant selling, propaganda, uncivil discourse, and lost time.
3. GIVE CREDIT.
Give yourself and your colleagues a well-deserved pat on the back for all you have taken on and accomplished. Thank the folks who have been at the work far longer than you. You all deserve it. It has been a hell of a year.
4. ACKNOWLEDGE TRADE-OFFS.
What did you give up to make space for the resistance work you added? What did you refuse to give up? Honor what you got right, and understand what you got wrong. It's good to keep tweaking the formula.
5. SOLIDIFY YOUR FOUNDATIONS.
Reflect on WHY you care about the people and causes you cherish. Connect with a faith leader you trust, participate in rituals, seek inspiration in the arts, go deep with a sage family member, pray, meditate, or convene with nature. Whatever tethers you to the Good.
6. LOOK DOWN THE ROAD.
What are your top priorities for 2018? Don’t put pen to paper yet, don’t worry if you don’t have answers, and definitely don’t stress yourself out with ambitious assignments. Just begin to sit with the question.
7. GIVE NEW THANKS.
We are grateful for our loved ones and usual blessings, always. But this year, there are NEW thanks to give, specific to our historic moment: for deepened connections to community, for the opportunity to be useful, for our collective spiritual growth, for the many good souls in resistance work, and for the strides we have made together.
8. PLAN A SIMPLER DECEMBER.
Holiday sanity supports It All. Less money needed to pay for fewer things. More time for yourself and your loved ones. Space, strength, and spirit for ongoing resistance.
9. HOLD THE TENSION.
Celebrate AND resist. Have the tough conversations, acknowledge the privilege that benefits you, and mourn with those who suffer. Hold this tension in your heart while you celebrate.
10. LIFT THE CUP.
But DO celebrate! It is right to rejoice in our collective resilience, the nearness of loved ones, a giving spirit, and the beauty of the season. Be sure to enjoy the warmth.
Cheers, friends! Wishing you peace and purpose this winter and beyond.
❤
Jenny