I am writing this the week of Thanksgiving and as I sit here in the midst of preparing for the 20+ people that will be dining with us here on Thursday, I am gently reminding myself to stay focused on the intentions behind the festivities and not get bogged down with the details. As a “recovering perfectionist”, I have a tendency to stress over needing everything to be just right, and in this stressing I oftentimes lose sight of what’s really important. What a great question that can be…What’s really important?
For me, when I really think about it, the answer is simple… it’s spending time with those I love and having the opportunity to express what I am truly grateful for. It’s not important that my house is perfectly clean, or that I’ve decorated like Martha Stewart, or that my menu is ideal. I’m willing to let go of perfectionism and in doing that I’ve found the secret to my “perfect” Thanksgiving. Perfect for me comes from seeing the smiles on the faces of my children, my nieces and my nephew as they spend time playing together. Perfect is having 3 generations gathered around the dinner table. Perfect is having my 13 year old daughter tell me that Thanksgiving is her favorite holiday. Perfect is when we all gather in a circle before our meal to count our blessings. Perfect is knowing that we are creating memories to last a lifetime. That’s what’s really important to me.
Now, it’s your turn…What are the ingredients to your “perfect” Thanksgiving? Are there things you are stressing about that really aren’t that important? How can you let them go? I look forward to reading your answers and Happy “Perfect” Thanksgiving!
Today’s author: Laura Hall is an iPEC certified life coach who believes every woman deserves a coach. She offers both one on one as well as group coaching services. She can be reached at [email protected] or check out her website at www.hallcoaching.com