Setting intentions for a not-so-silly season

Christmas is my favourite time of the year. 

In Australia, Summer is well and truly here and the days are long and full of possibility. There's the Christmas parties and end of year drinks, and the mad rush of people looking for gifts for their loved ones. 

It's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle at this time of year. And if you are anything like me, in a burst of anticipation in November, come December you have stretched yourself too thin. Suddenly you find yourself rushing around with little time to enjoy the festive season and the year coming to an end.

As the year draws to an end, on top of the general busy-ness we are suddenly bombarded with messages about New Year's resolutions and what we are going to do to better ourselves in the new year. Set your goals now! Make 2018 your best year ever! 

Phew. No wonder we are exhausted! 

The importance of taking a step back

This evening I took some time out to head to yoga. Despite starting my holidays earlier this week, I was feeling a frazzled and out of balance. 

Feeling the same? I hear you.

During the class, my teacher Vanessa made some points that really resonated with me as the year comes to an end. 

She talked about setting our intentions and choosing how we show up. Every day, we have a choice. We get to choose how we show up. How we think, act and importantly feel. 

This got me wondering why do we put so much pressure on ourselves to cram everything into the silly season, before falling in an exhausted heap come Christmas or the New Year? 

Also, why do we put so much pressure on ourselves come January 1st to change all the things about ourselves that we aren’t happy about, or we perceive to be not good enough?

Vanessa asked us to all set an intention for when we left our mats. 

I left the studio pondering the thought that, if I set my intention every day, would this be better than setting unrealistic resolutions? Would I achieve more choosing how I show up every day for myself and my loved ones?

Lying there on my yoga mat, I committed to myself that when I walk out the door, I would be calm and in control. Calm, to give myself room to be fully present, relaxed and enjoy my favourite time of year. In control, not just of my actions, but also my acceptance and response to the other things going on around me... because we all know that at this time of year there's plenty going on!  

And with just over a week before Christmas, I feel a sense of peace settling back in.

Are you feeling caught up in the silly season? Why not take the time to set your intention for a not-so-silly season? 

Phoebe