The ABC of “Are you All Ready”?

Hello Friend!

Today, as Christmas Eve unfolds here in northern Canada, I find myself reflecting on the pervasive question, “Are you ready yet?” This inquiry, seemingly innocent, often carries a weight of expectations about holiday preparations and the societal pressure to create a perfect celebration. But what does it truly mean to be ready, and why do we burden ourselves with these expectations? Let’s explore the deeper significance of readiness and how embracing our true state can lead to a more authentic and emotionally freeing holiday experience.

This morning, I was confronted with identity theft and fraud—an unexpected and unsettling start to the day. Amidst this chaos, the typical holiday preparations remained untouched: the house is untidy, gifts unwrapped, and personal routines disrupted. Yet, when asked if I’m ready for Christmas, my response has evolved. I am not ready to meet conventional expectations, but I am ready to embrace the holiday as I am, in my reality, with all its imperfections and challenges. This realization has brought me a sense of liberation and a new understanding of what it means to truly be prepared.

Awareness in this context involves recognizing the societal and personal pressures that shape our understanding of what it means to be “all ready” for Christmas.

It’s about acknowledging that readiness isn’t about having a perfect setting but being prepared to accept and experience the holiday in its true form – imperfect and unpredictable.

This awareness allows us to shift our focus from superficial preparations to deeper emotional preparedness, where we can embrace all of our feelings that come with the season – joy, kindness, stress, and sadness.

Our beliefs about holiday readiness often involve a mix of deeply ingrained societal norms and personal expectations. We may feel compelled to create an ideal holiday environment, believing that this is necessary for enjoyment.

Challenging these beliefs can be liberating. Understanding that being ‘ready’ doesn’t mean having everything in perfect order but rather being open to experiencing the holiday in its full emotional spectrum can transform our experience.

This, my friends – is truly life changing, especially when we apply it to all seasons of our lives!

It takes courage to reject the traditional notion of readiness and define it on your own terms. Embracing the holiday season as it comes, with all its flaws and unpredictability, requires bravery and a willingness to confront potentially uncomfortable truths about ourselves and our circumstances – to face it and to feel it!

This courage can empower us to find contentment in the ‘now,’ regardless of external conditions.

COURAGE CHALLENGE

This holiday season, identify one aspect of your holiday preparation that causes you stress or discomfort. Choose to approach it differently this year. Whether it means delegating tasks, skipping certain traditions, or openly communicating your feelings to your loved ones, take a courageous step towards a holiday that truly reflects your current life and needs.

As we wrap up our discussion on the ABC of “Are You All Ready?”, let’s redefine what readiness means:

Cultivate awareness of the pressures and expectations that influence your perception of holiday readiness.
Challenge your beliefs about what it means to be ready and consider more inclusive and realistic standards for yourself.
Embrace the courage to face the holiday season as you are, ready for whatever may come up: inside and outside!

Have a great week, and remember, if you’re feeling like you might need some support around getting unstuck and out of the comfort zone, then talk to someone. Feel free to book a call with me if you want to dive deeper to understand how hypnotherapy and/or coaching might be able to help you out.