Lace up those running shoes—it’s the start of the holiday sprint! You know the one: the “go, go, go, don’t be slow” stretch of the year filled with endless to-do lists and nonstop activity.
When my kids were younger, our winter schedule was a blur of soccer practices, end-of-year school projects, family gatherings, and holiday parties. We bounced between friends’ houses, the in-laws, and yes, even the outlaws. There were cookies to bake, dishes to make, halls to deck, and stockings to hang.
The one thing I wanted to do for myself—editing my latest book and staying on track for a spring release—usually took a backseat.
Have you experienced this? Maybe not a creative project, but something like catching up with close friends, tackling that to-read list, or just being alone with your own thoughts.
I used to think those personal goals were selfish. Kids grow fast, and the holidays pass even faster. I told myself I needed to make memories, to capture every smile and laugh on film. That’s what a good parent does—or at least, that’s what many of us Gen Xers believed.
But what if that was wrong? What if keeping personal goals during the busy season isn’t selfish at all, but essential?
When we ignore our own needs, we drain the very energy we need to care for others. Resentment builds, sleep suffers, and before long, we’re hiding in bathrooms, canceling plans, and running on fumes instead of holiday cheer.
Maybe this is the season to carve out time for you. Even a few moments of personal focus can help you stay grounded, balanced, and truly present.
For me, that means rising early and using the quiet clarity of morning to edit my work as I pursue traditional publishing. Waiting until January doesn’t just move the goalposts—it risks losing the year’s hard-earned momentum once the post-holiday recovery sets in.
That’s my big idea for the month. Not rocket science, for sure—but I’ve learned that a gentle reminder lands far better than regret.
So, what fills your cup this time of year—and how will you make space for it amid the holiday rush?