Take a Minute and Look Around...
Like everyone says, how time flies! Here we are again, getting ready to celebrate the holidays. Holidays remind us that we need more time in our regular schedules. We might need time for planning, time for cooking, time for gatherings, time for wrapping, time for singing, time for buying, time for praying, time for family, time for friends, perhaps time to TRAVEL....wait, on top of that it’s time to travel? Yes, it is, either to visit family, to visit friends, or just to have fun and discover new places or perhaps a traditional sky trip to the mountains...
Traveling for me is always fun, it’s actually one of the hobbies I love to do as a family. However, traveling for the Holidays can trigger a lot of stress for many. You’ll need time to plan your trip, time to pack the appropriate clothing depending on the weather, time to buy any gifts you're taking to Grandma or Grandpa or titi or mimi, or friends you are visiting. Time to gather travel documents or visas, plus phone charger, headphones, credit cards, laptop, cameras, any medication, first aid kit, sunglasses, etc. On top of all that time spent on packing and getting ready, you have to arrive earlier than usual at the airport, especially during holidays. In addition to time you will also need great PATIENCE.
After hearing so many people complain about lack of time during the Holidays, I started the exercise of incorporating the Holiday Spirit into the rush of the season.
How? Imagine you are standing at a busy airport the day before Thanksgiving or perhaps Christmas or New Year’s. People are walking, hauling bags, hungry kids are crying, moms are sweating while pushing strollers with diaper bags hanging and dads are paying for the extra pounds of luggage. College students are begging to catch the flight that is about to leave. Take a minute and notice the agitation... then ask yourself, “why are we traveling?” .... in my opinion, the answer is very simple...but i'll explain my train of thought.
If we travel, it means that there is a job that affords us the possibility to travel, so let’s be thankful for the working hands that provide. If we travel to visit family or friends, let’s give thanks for being part of a family or for having someone to call a friend. If we travel with a bag full of presents, let’s be gratefully for the gift of sharing. If we travel to celebrate the Holidays...let’s smile because our smiles light up our spirit, brighten our days, and make the world a better home for everyone.
Having said that, if you are traveling this holiday season, and you feel tempted to complain, remember that carving out time to adequately plan, pack, pay and pray can make a big difference. In the end, it will mean the world to those you love, who are traveling with you. The rewards may be seeing your children as they experience snow for the first time, or surprising your spouse by taking them to see the lightning of the Christmas Tree at the Rockefeller Center in New York City. It may be feeling the love of your parents while sharing stories by a fireplace, or seeing an old friend who you hadn’t seen, but immediately reconnect with after a thanksgiving meal.
Stay in tune with what moved your heart to decide to book this trip, and let the purpose handle the lines, the hassles and the tassels.... Be Bold and Have Fun!
Happy Holidays!!!
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© Nicola Rios Nogales and ispeakmom.com, 2017. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Nicola Rios Nogales and ispeakmom.com with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.
