I am so very blessed that every year I get a break from teaching from around December 15th-January15th. It gives me a chance to rest, re-group, and take a break from the daily tasks that are always there. I say that I am very blessed because of my acute awareness that most people in society don’t get this timely perk that I have enjoyed for the past 13 years. As my End of Life Insights endeavor is growing by leaps and bounds, I am finding myself more and more aware that I am working 7 days a week, up to 12 hour days, and this year, my “break” will consist of writing, getting national approval for the CUE’s offered on the site, booking more speaking engagement for next year, and on and on and on. It probably sounds like a typical December for you.

So this is what I’ve decided I’m going to do in December this year to balance work and the holidays. Please take and use whatever you can on this list for yourself.

1. I will make my “to-do” list knowing full well that it can’t possibly all be accomplished by January, and that’s o.k., 2008 is another year.

2. I will give myself permission to do things on said list one at time. I refuse to multi-task for the entire month of December.

3. I will not get rid of my “to-do” list by dumping the work on other people. Any work that needs to be passed along to other to finish will be given a note that states; “This does not have to be done before December 25th.”

4. I will not read, talk on my cell phone, or do any type of work during my boys’ basketball games in December; but will delight in their good health, ability to run up and down a basketball court, and will share in their love of the game.

5. I will turn the Christmas lights on the tree everyday when I get home so I can enjoy the lights hour after hour, day after day.

6. I will buy my holiday baked goods if I can’t find the time to bake, and I will not feel guilty about it.

7. I will remember that the holiday celebrated in my home…Christmas…is about love and hope, not work, stress, and commercialism.

Make your list today; it only takes 5 minutes, and writing it down will make it meaningful and possible!