The holiday season can be a happy time, but it also can be a not-so-happy time for some.
During this season, the stresses of the day seem to be amplified by 10. Add the pressure and stress farmers are under, and it can be a very lonely time.
As I enter into this holiday season, I am going to be more intentional with my time. I always enjoy my family and friends and the excitement around this time of year, and I have always been aware of my time and the need to be present with others because it is cut in half trying to get chores done in between.
Getting chores done, washing up to be presentable and getting out the door for events is no easy feat. I have gotten used to the feeling of always being rushed. When things go smoothly, I always think I am forgetting something or I am missing something.
This year I encourage you to be present with others around you. When we catch ourselves saying how difficult it is right now in farming, let's end it with something that makes us happy for that day. Maybe it is a hot cup of coffee, getting the kids to the bus on time or just seeing the sunrise another day. We need to be present in the things that make us happy.
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Before we jump out of the skid loader or tractor, take a minute and be present in that moment because it does matter. We shouldn't feel guilty about something that makes us smile because of the stresses we are under. We need to be honest about the stresses in our life, but we also need to be honest about happy things that keep us going.
My children make me happy. My family makes me happy. The life I am building with Nate makes me happy. I am not oblivious to the hardships we have faced the past few years. I am not living in denial when I chose to love on my family, friends and people around me instead of focusing on the "what ifs." Those "what if's" keep me awake enough at night. I don't need them to cloud my day.
Our time to be present can be by making eye contact with the sales clerk as they hand us our receipt. Our time to be present can be pushing our shopping cart all the way back to the store. Our time to be present can be choosing to stay home with our family. Our time to be present can be stopping at a neighbor's place and having coffee with them. Our time to be present can be calling someone on the phone instead of emailing or texting.
When we say "Let's get together sometime. It has been too long," set a date. Make the time to spend time with each other. Instead of saying how busy you are, pick and choose a few moments and be intentional with your time in those. Be present and find joy this holiday season.
