As the song goes, “To everything, turn, turn, turn, there is a season, turn, turn, turn.” I was reminded of that this week when I was in the stores buying back-to-school supplies. I was horrified to see that Christmas stuff is on display. Folks, we haven't even hit Labor Day yet. Of course the Halloween stuff was prettily arranged in the aisles and who knows how early that had been set out. This just goes to show how infreqently I shop at those kinds of stores.
I believe that a large part of the stress that many of my clients complain about is due to this marketing push for ever longer sales seasons. We should enjoy the fullness of each season while it is here instead of frantically racing toward the next season. Truth be told we should enjoy the fullness of each season and what it truly means instead of focusing on the material aspects that marketers have tried to convince us is necessary to each season. That applies to any season, the beginning of the seasons, a month with a special birthday, a life event, all of these are seasons and reasons to celebrate. But we should celebrate mindfully and lovingly instead of being corralled toward the store to buy, buy, buy.
Summer isn't over yet and although where I live the kids go back to school in just three short days we are trying to enjoy those last precious moments of unscheduled time. To spend more time just being, to celebrate the end of summer. I do not want to even think about Halloween, much less Christmas. I choose not to race through these days frantically worrying about whether or not I have the latest fashionable ornaments, wondering if I have enough ‘stuff' to celebrate whatever season it isn't-quite-yet.
One of the biggest things we need to remember is to take time to breathe. To avoid the hurry-scurry madness that modern life seems to promote.
So turn a blind eye to those gaudy aisle displays and bring your earplugs to turn down the sound on the holidays-not-yet-here. And if you want to learn how to tone down your Christmas, get started now with this free e-book from the New American Dream.
Live life at your own pace, remember to breathe, and be well.