“It’s the most wonderful time of year,” right? Christmas is right around the corner and between gift giving, visiting family and friends, and spending whatever extra money we have, we often deplete our energy and bank accounts in the name of bringing joy to others. But in the hustle and bustle of catching sales and wrapping gifts, we often forget about things that we want and need to do for ourselves.
Usually, wish lists consist of gifts we can get from people – that new gadget, a fly addition to your wardrobe, or maybe something shiny to put on your wrist. As we think about what we want to get from others, we don’t think about what we want to do for ourselves. Some things can only be gifted from yourself to yourself. Think about what you have wanted to do, accomplish, or attain in the last few months or so. What sacrifices have you made so you could do for others? What has gotten in the way of what you want for yourself?
Take some time in the next few days to think about what will challenge you or renew you. Is there a project you have stopped working on or haven’t started at all? Is there a book you have been meaning to read (or start writing)? Is there work you need do to get your finances in order? Have you been hesitant to pursue a new opportunity? What do you need to take that next step?
Make a “self-ish” wish-list. You’re not doing things for yourself instead of doing for others, but you are making sure you’re a priority, too. See? Self-ish.
Start by looking at the areas you are looking to add to or change. Plain and simple, ask yourself “What do I want?” Then figure out what you need to do to make it happen.
Here’s the start of my list:
1. Time for me
No, I haven’t found out how to add more hours to a day, but I know I need to make more time for myself. So what do I need to do to give myself more time? Instead of looking in a store, I’m looking at my typical day and trying to figure out where I can make adjustments. How can I be more efficient? What am I wasting time doing? What do what I want to do instead?
2. Pampering (or something like it)
I’ve already been doing this, but I am going to keep this up. This requires some budgeting because I’m talking about keeping my eyebrows, hair, hands, and feets (even in the winter) done pretty regularly. I’ve never really been able to do this for myself, but recently, I’ve seen how looking good can keep me feeling good, too.
3. Improved credit and finances
This is definitely something no one else can do for me. Between creating a monthly budget, setting up automatic savings, and getting on the phone with these monsters credit card companies to advocate for better rates and such, I’m trying to learn and make my money grow.
The good thing about this list is that it doesn’t revolve around Christmas and it can keep growing without increasing your debt. This holiday season, in addition to doing for others, challenge yourself to do something for yourself.
What are you putting on your self-ish wish list?
Wishing you joy,
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