I've seen a lot of talk about being present over perfect this month. Shauna wrote about it, Emily wrote in response to Shauna's post, and Megan touched on it, too. When I read it for the first time, it hit me. The second time, it got me. The third time? Well, let's just say I knew God was pressing that message on my heart for a reason.
To be honest, it's hard to be present right now. I may not be married or have kids or a house to take care of, but that doesn't mean I'm not busy. It doesn't mean that I don't think (and overthink) the presents I'm about to give out. And it doesn't mean I don't think about the past or future as the year draws near, too (how's that for a confusing sentence?).
It also doesn't mean that I don't worry about getting everything done in time. And it doesn't mean that I don't spend time wondering about the what if's, either.
But back to the present. Back to the here and now.
To be honest (again), I think Christmas cheer is often drawn out by Christmas stress. And that stresses me out. I want to enjoy the Christmas spirit. I want to be joyful. I want to be excited.
And yet, I turn to stress because I want to be happy by giving people the perfect gift and getting every last detail arranged and ready.
But does that bring happiness?
I think you know the answer to that question. I realized last night that it's not the perfect present that brings happiness. Not lasting happiness, that is. It's enjoying the moment. Enjoying each second of the holiday cheer that all too often slips through my fingers each year.
I don't want to regret not enjoying Christmas and living it out to its fullest. I don't want to look at the clock after presents are unwrapped and wonder what I'll do next. I don't want to wake up on the 26th and wish for next Christmas to arrive.
I want to enjoy this moment. I want to soak it all in. And I want to live in Christmas present. Not Christmas past or Christmas future.
Word. Something I learned how to do is use photography as a way to be in the moment. A lot of times people think photography is only a way of remembering and panic about getting the perfect shot to remember the scene... but I use it as a way to stay grounded and see the details of the time. Maybe something to think about doing this year?
ReplyDeleteI love that perspective! I think it's easy to think of photography as a means of perfecting a shot or something like that but like you said, it really is a great way to live in the present and capture the moment. That's one of the biggest reasons why I love Ten on Ten--capturing the beauty in the everyday is something that I'm now trying to do all the time! :)
DeleteSuch beautiful thoughts Kiki. :)
ReplyDeleteAw, thanks Miranda! I'm glad you agree. :) And I hope you're enjoying each moment that leads up to Christmas!
Deleteamen sister. being single does not mean you have more time to relax! haha. we are just as busy with other life happenings and have to make/find time to relax and be still in this season.
ReplyDeleteYou said it. Seriously, I think it's a huge misconception that single people have free time on our hands. Sure, we don't have our own families to take care of, but that doesn't mean we don't have jobs, lives, friendships, etc. to nurture!
DeleteHere's to relaxing this season! :)
Love this and I can totally relate. Blah, I'm so tired of stressing about getting the "perfect gift" for everyone. All of that stress and for what? Once Christmas is over, it's just done. And then it's stressing about next year. I really love the idea of just living in the present. Relaxing and enjoying the season.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you can relate! I honestly strive not to be a perfectionist when it comes to giving gifts and yet it's a challenge each and every year. It's terrible. But like you said, presents are just presents and that's not the real meaning of Christmas anyway, right? :)
DeleteHope you get a chance to relax and truly enjoy the season, girl! :)
Thanks, sweet lady! :)
ReplyDeleteYou said it girl! Even though i am single, it doesn't mean i don't have things to do or think about, and still be able to soak up this season in my life.
ReplyDeleteExactly! I think it's an easy misconception that since we're single we have a lot of freedom. And while we do in some aspects, that doesn't mean we're just sitting around on our rears all day either. :)
DeleteWonderful! I think
ReplyDeleteI used to find myself getting caught up in Christmas stress and realized I couldn't enjoy it... That's when I decided to try and get all my shopping done before December so that when the season gets here I can just relax and enjoy it. It's really helped my stress level. :)
Ooh, that's a brilliant idea! I actually really love that idea and may just need to adopt that tradition this upcoming year. I started earlier this time around but still not quite early enough, haha. Thanks for the suggestion! :)
Deleteamen + amen.
ReplyDeletesomething I'm really trying to get my heart to focus on - to be present NOW and enjoy NOW not thinking ahead or behind. <3
great post Kiki - as always.
Exactly. That's what I've been trying to do, too. I see that message over and over again and while I think at first that it's overkill, I'm reminded of its importance and I quickly regret thinking that. It is so important to live in the present--especially during fun holiday seasons like Christmas that only come once a year! :)
DeleteWow, good thoughts. I totally get it.
ReplyDeleteThanks Neisha! I'm so glad you agree. :)
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