It’s DE-cember. This is a month that is cluttered with lists, appointments, parties, projects and more. The photo above appeared on facebook last week and struck a chord with me. As members of NASMM, Golden Bridges owners have been privileged to meet Joshua Becker (founder of Becoming Minimalist) twice at our national conferences. He inspires and motivates us to live our own minimalist lifestyle and also gives us insights for helping our clients.
The DE-cember message hits home in several ways:
- As an excuse to say NO to some of the invitations
- A pass on putting up ALL the holiday decorations
- An opportunity to offload/donate one or more of those holiday sweaters
- A reminder to schedule that post-holiday massage or facial to unwind
- A chance for reflection on what’s most important
Most of us cannot live a totally minimalist life. We are not going to boycott holiday parties altogether. If we are members of a local church or synagogue, we are going to attend special services because we want to be among our friends and fellow congregants. We want to spend time with family and close friends. But we don’t have to attend the Christmas party of every organization we have supported this year, especially if they conflict with other (more important) events.
Deciding how we are going to participate in gift exchanges is also a good place to start. You can instead choose to support a local or global charity and send a card to those with whom you normally exchange gifts. Or, you can be upfront and tell them that this year you are downsizing your holidays, including the gift giving.
While RE-flecting on those things that are important to you, RE-member that it’s ok to DE-flect those things that don’t bring you joy, that don’t hold value in your life, or that are draining you physically, financially and emotionally.
As for the stack of holiday sweaters… the homeless shelters would love to spread holiday cheer by wearing them while serving meals or handing them out to their guests!
Happy DE-cember, and may your holiday season be blessed.