This month is kicking my butt*.
*Insert another word if you want to know how I really feel.
There I said it, it's been a rough few weeks over here and I have to imagine I'm not the only one going through a little bit of chaos this time of year.
Normally my blogs focus on practical tips for your career...but there are months when career stuff just has to take the back burner. And that's ok! (And honestly should be expected...)
Welcome To My Chaos...
In case you missed my stories on Instagram I tore my calf muscle right before Thanksgiving and am in a cast for a month. Yep, you will find me on a scooter or crutches this holiday season...
If you know anything about me you will know that I am FIERCELY independent. This injury has given me a thump upside the head and a whole 2 servings of humble pie. I have to have help doing just about EVERYTHING. I can't drive, get out of my house on my own, or sit too long at my desk without my foot swelling. 0/10 would recommend. Oh and on top of that asking for help is NOT my strong suit. I love to help others, but ask for help myself - not in my vocabulary!
To just spice up this month a little more our dog has an infection after having a tooth removed, the Christmas lights that we put up on the porch came crashing down and spread shattered glass EVERYWHERE, and did I mention it's the holidays?? Let's be honest, we are gathering gifts, decorating, making the most of the moments, and trying not to lose our minds over here. Long story short, it's been a month.
But with all the chaos we have had 2 good friends welcome new little ones, our favorite Christmas cookies were made for our neighbors (and we finally met them after 2 years!), new business opportunities are on the horizon, my best friend from high school is coming, and my nephew is SO EXCITED to decorate my cast for his birthday (I'll report back after his party tonight)! It's the sweet to the sour in this chapter.
Why Am I Sharing This With You?
It's so easy for all of us to think that we are the only ones facing challenges and the reality is, you may be having a similar month. I know sickness has hit many homes this winter, there have been layoffs, cancellations of things we planned for, and stress in general. I want you to know that you aren't alone and sometimes our careers have to be put on the back burner while we get it all figured out.
I have been riddled with guilt the past few weeks for being essentially radio silent on social media, not writing blog posts, and missing the opportunity to continue to market my coaching practice. I have had to do things differently in this chapter. My current clients have been my top priority and everything else just had to pause for a bit (and If I'm being honest it may be that way through the end of December). It's just where I am at the moment. The holidays and healing have taken up the extra space in our home. Am I terrified of losing momentum? You bet! But I also realize that I need to shift a bit right now to tackle everything else.
Are You In The Same Boat?
If you happen to be in the same place in your life right now, I wanted to share a few things that may help. I will be the first to tell you I am STRUGGLING with accepting these, but I think it's important for us all to acknowledge these truths.
Life Isn't Always Full Steam Ahead
I tell my small business clients this on a regular basis, but I often fail to take my own advice. In order to grow and expand we all have to take time to pause and reflect. Just like plants have seasons for growth and rest, we do too. When life is crazy outside of the office it's ok to just "get by" at work. And sometimes after big projects, we need to coast. Your manager may not like me saying this, but it's honest. In order to prevent burnout we have to allow time and space for rest. It's the only way to level up later on.
Ask For Help
You don't have to struggle alone. This morning I woke up to a sick dog, a husband who couldn't leave work today to help, and a panicked version of myself wracking my brain on how to get us out of the house to the vet with my cast. I made a very urgent call to my parents and my mom thankfully jumped right in the car to help. (Thanks again, mom!)
I have a REALLY hard time asking for help, but I also know that I love to be a person who can help others in their time of need. As a friend recently reminded me, "let us be there for you too." I say the same to you. If you need someone to take something off your plate. Please ask for the help you need. Whether that's a friend, coworker, or manager I'm sure they will be happy to offer assistance.
You Probably Hold Yourself To Higher Standards Than You Need To
I haven't written a blog in 2 weeks. And in November there was a 2-week break between blogs. And to be honest, I may not write another blog this month. Sooo there is another 2-week hiatus.
Did you notice? Probably not.
Have I mentally been beating myself up for the missed blogs? You betcha! Every day.
We all do this to ourselves. We hold ourselves to standards and expectations that we would NEVER hold other people to. We expect ourselves to be on top of it all the time, firing on all cylinders, and "successful" at everything. Let it go! We are doing our very best and sometimes our best is just ok.
So if you are reading this and feeling like you are in the thick of it this holiday season, know you aren't alone. Hang in there, do your best, and remember life is what happens when we are trying to balance it all.
Oh and drink a cup of hot chocolate - it makes everything a little better! Especially if you add a little peppermint schnapps...
Happy holidays to you and yours if I just can't get to another blog post this season!
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