Have you ever sat down at the end of December and reflected on all that happened in the year? It always amazes me to think about this and realize how much happened in the year. During the day-to-day routine, it is hard to see much change. But looking back, I can always spot the points where things that felt minor at the time wound up being major game-changers. The seasons change so quickly and, if you are anything like me, sometimes anticipating the next season takes the joy away from the current one.
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"This may not be your favorite time of year or your favorite stage of life. You may be dreaming of your next season already. Remember to fight that urge. There's a certain richness in today that may never be around again. A year from now the landscape of life may look very different. Choose to enjoy the little things. Choose to enjoy the loud times or even the sometimes too quiet times." - Joanna Gaines
There are lots of people in mine and my sister's circle of friends who give us a hard time for our excitement for Christmas each year. They tell us to not start celebrating until Thanksgiving is over (to those who feel this way, you do you, boo. We'll keep doing life this way and the world will continue to turn). Honestly, we start celebrating in January by Halloween. We just love the magic and hope Christmas brings. But it doesn't mean we don't love Thanksgiving either, because we certainly do.
I remember as a kid how badly I wanted to grow up so I could drive a car, not go to school anymore, stay up late, do all the things adults do that I thought was so cool. I would not say I rushed through my childhood because I certainly do not feel that way. But looking back, there are days where I would love to just be a kid again. Funny how that works.
On a broader scale, don't we all tend to rush through the seasons we don't like? If you are still in high school, do you find yourself ready to graduate and move on to college, military, or a job? If you asked me that my senior year of high school, I would have raised both hands. If you are in college, do you find yourself wanting to graduate and get out of the stress and monotony of school? If so, this may be a great reminder to enjoy this season you are in - this time next year as you reflect on it, you will see the change and growth, but don't rush through it. Your time is precious and this moment will never be here again.
Now that it is officially 2017, it is the perfect time to make a New Year's Commitment to yourself, rather than the cliche resolutions nobody ever sticks to (hello, weight loss, better organization, etc. etc.). Commit to staying present in the moment of each season - both the seasons of the year and this season of your life.
