The Big But

To be always intending to make a new and better life but never to find time to set about it is as to put off eating and drinking and sleeping from one day to the next until you’re dead. Og Mandino

Blunt more than inspirational. But a wake up call sometimes has to be delivered abruptly. A fresh start doesn’t have to wait for new year resolutions. Begin now, before you create regrets. Think about this.

Too much food, too much spending, stressed to the max. The bills will arrive in January and the pounds will collect around the waistline even sooner.

Time out! Stop and think about the life you are creating. You make daily choices that create your future.

What big BUT is standing in your way?

• But… I don’t have time.
• But… I don’t have money.
• But… my family expects it of me.
• But… it wouldn’t be Christmas if__________.
• But… I HAVE to__________.

Crunched for money?

Put away the credit cards and only spend what you can pay cash for. Use PayPal for online shopping and it will come out of your bank account.

If money is a concern (Psychology Today cites money as the number 1 concern for Americans in both 2005 and 2006), have a heart-to-heart talk with loved ones and friends about cutting back this upcoming gift giving season. They will most likely be relieved you brought it up!

Pare back on gifts that require spending money and instead find ways to give gifts of time. Creating shared memories is so much more important than a gift that gets put on a shelf or even worse, re-gifted next year.

Get creative. Exchange the time normally spent on shopping and fighting traffic to find fun ways to create memories. Shop online for games and create a coupon book for times when you will actually PLAY! Movie tickets and a time set aside to enjoy. A trip to the Zoo, a museum or art gallery. A winter walk or a snowball fight coupon! This isn’t just for children, but for friends and life partners as well.

Give your spouse free time on a Saturday morning. Guilt free. No kids, no chores, no shopping, no expectations. And have your spouse/child/parent give the same to you.

Tired?

Rest. Not feeling good? Drink lots of water and cut way back on your carbs. You’ll be amazed at the energy spurt you’ll get in just a few short weeks. Promise!

Stressed?  Are you your own worst enemy?

Do you promise too much, never say no, and become overextended and exhausted. Join the crowd. Self-inflicted stress is common among women.

The holidays are meant to be fun, not an exercise in seeing how much you can cram into the next 3 weeks.

Create a list of how you’d like to experience Christmas this year. Then prioritize and delete all but your top 3 items. Decide what you can’t live without, get rid of the rest, and delegate. Ask for help.

No more big buts. You can do this! You have the power of choice.