The last month of the calendar seems to be exploding with activities and catch ups. Brunch, lunch or dinner with family and friends, money going out more then in and hand cramps from all the Christmas card writing.
I love a good Christmas card! Do you?
Amongst the gratitude I have for my beautiful tribe, I’ll be honest, there’s a slight anxiety at how to not get overwhelmed with all the excitement and expectation this time of year. Especially if you’re a bit of a closet introvert.
As I was wrapping my final presents last night, I had the movie ‘the Holiday’ playing in the background and a serve of m&ms (which are meant to be used to seperate the kids jelly to the adults jelly shots on Christmas Day). This small Camino tail dropped in just in time.
Rewind 5 years ago to Spain. It was day 3 of walking the Camino and the familiar question on everyone’s lips was…‘how far do you plan to walk’?
Were you going to walk the whole Camino Frances stretch of 790km? Or maybe you’ll stretch the legs an extra 110km to 900km- Finisterre- aka the end of the earth.
‘How far do you plan to walk Laura’?
The sheer thought of walking that far is the reason why it took me 5 years to answer the Camino call in the first place. Being confronted with that question 50km in, almost had me pass out with the expectation!
I tried to answer it, have a plan, believe I could do it… but all I kept hearing inside was ‘babe (that’s me) one step and day at a time’!
So that’s what I did. I answered the question with a ‘I’m not sure yet’ and stopped thinking about the end goal. Instead, I focused heavily on where I was at at any given time and enjoyed it like a delicious chocolate croissant!
Gosh, I’ve never laughed, walked, enjoyed and flowed so much in my life. And sure enough, 900km later, I jumped into mama ocean in Finisterre in my bra and undies and laughed cried (that’s a thing) at the end goal achieved!
This Camino tail has arrived just in time for Christmas to remind me, you, US that the greatest present you can give yourself and others this Christmas is your presence. I know that sounds a bit cheese ball but honestly- it’s where the bliss is.
Presence– eating your Christmas food and really tasting it.
Presence– chatting and sharing with your loved ones (chosen and family) and really listening and enjoying the moment.
Presence– drinking the drinks or eating the jelly shots and letting the good times flow.- no force needed.
Presence– hugging and feeling the hug.
Presence– kissing and enjoying the pash.
Presence– watching the kiddies eyes light up like Christmas lights and being grateful for these mini teachers of joy.
Presence– being in your body, taking a deep breathe and naming 3 things you’re grateful for in any moment you remember to.
I know this isn’t the easiest time of year for everyone, so no matter where you are or who you’re with this Christmas- I believe the greatest gift ever is your presence in that moment- one catch up at a time.
But please don’t just trust me on that, try it on like a Christmas jumper and see for yourself!
Wishing you a beautiful Christmas from my present moment to yours! X
SimBLISSity 