Step #6 Let Go of Perfection : Good Enough is Good Enough

Preparing for you Town Meeting

Today’s step is really important.  It is where true liberation occurs.  The Town Meeting will take courage and, possibly, a few scripted lines to get you through.  

This part of the process is also, initially, quiet a bit of work.  It may actually feel more stressful than your usual holiday stress BECAUSE you are choosing to change behaviors and habits, yours and those of others.  It is natural for people to dig their heals in, put up a stink, attempt revolt.  A clear well thought out plan, that you are committed to, will save the day. 

Fearless at 53 means never saying "I'm too old to do that"

Step #5 Schedule all activities as though they were business appointments.

Using a calendar, schedule all items with a number 1 next to them, assuring that you allot sufficient time to complete the task.  These are appointments with you.  Treat them with the reverence of a doctors appointment.

Taking the time to actually pencil all expectations onto your calendar will assures 4 things:

1. You visually see the number of expectations thus far
2. You have estimated how long each task is going to take
3. It provides a visual, non-emotional accounting as to whether all the 'must-do's will realistically fit in the upcoming weeks
4. You gain peace of mind knowing that they will get done.

Step #4 To Simplify Any Holiday : Mindfully Lighten Your Load

On a fresh piece of paper re-write all items you have put a 3 next to. Consider that these items, by your own admission, do not serve you.

 You have several choices, all are brave.  All will make any holiday less stressful and more simple.

• Draw a line through 1 item on the list, thereby eliminating it from your holiday practices.  This can be extremely difficult for most people.  Remember, this is where change starts.  You are giving yourself a free pass from doing this activity this year.
• Draw a line through 2 or more items. ( if you feel strongly about this process and are really fed up with the negative feelings associated with holidays.) Revel in the cockiness you may be feeling with your new found commitment.
• If you are feeling bodacious and totally liberated by this activity, cross off everything on the whole list.  You are officially free from all activities that do not serve you.

Note: This process will doubtless affect others in your life.  Options will be offered in step 6 as to how to deal with your choice as it impacts others. 

IMPORTANT : NO MATTER WHICH CHOICE YOU MADE...rejoice in your liberations.  Praise yourself for your bravery.  Changing a habit is extremely difficult.  Remember each day that you chose to be strong, to honor your commitment to yourself andmake a change.

Stayed tuned as we work through scheduling, and involving those around you to join in the fun.

Step #3 Give Yourself Objectivity

Step #3 - Creating a plan helps remove some of the emotion attachment and allows you to look at your choices with a more objective perspective.  Proceed by realistically, and objectively looking at your list to discern the likelihood that you can fit everything into the upcoming time period.  Use the following numbering system to begin the process of planning and scheduling.

Review your list from yesterday, considering each item carefully.  Use the following guidelines to help prioritize.  This process may take some time.  Be thoughtful with your choices.

1. Put a 1 next to items that are important specifically to you. (and only you) 
2. Put a 2 next to things you do because your kids, husband, friend expects it of you. 
3. Put a 3 next to things you do purely out of habit,  because it’s the way you’ve always done it, or the way your parents/family always did it.

Congratulations!  You are that much closer to freeing yourself from chronic Holiday Stress-itis.