Surviving December - Dealing with "Things"

Going into December, I knew it was going to be a struggle to stay consistent. The Holiday season brings not only festive cheer but added ‘things’ going on. 

It’s not that I don’t love all of you, but I have a hard time balancing ‘things’. 

There are gatherings galore. Everyone wants to get together and spread holiday happiness. It’s not that I don’t want to see people, but I’m struggling with putting out my decorations. Which I did.

Score one for me.

I end up baking and cooking more for these events. At work I’m known for maybe two things. Other than my winning personality. 

Artichoke dip and Sugar Cookies. 

 

The artichoke dip is pure cholesterol. On top of cholesterol. With some artichokes for good measure. Thankfully, it’s also really easy to throw together.

The Sugar Cookies, I admit, are pretty solid. They also take more planning as I have to mix the dough, let it chill, and then find time to cut and bake them. 

On top of that, December is the end of the semester. Students are feeling stressed and need help with projects that they may have neglected to do earlier. 

No judgements. 

Add in dropping temperatures and snow. I like snow, it’s pretty. Everything inside is toasty and warm while outside is another story. I’m less inclined to go for a walk which, truthfully, is my go-to, oh snap I don’t feel like working out in the gym today, exercise. 

Lots of ‘things’. 

I’m not telling you this to make you feel bad or lament about my life. 

I’m telling you because I’m pretty sure we all have times when life is full of added ‘things’ and we have to figure out how to keep going regardless of those ‘things.’

And if you’re someone who never has outside ‘things’ going on, um… can I have your life? 

 

My strategy for dealing with December is adjusting my expectations. I tried to be realistic with what I could and could not accomplish. 

Last month was the 30-day challenge, and while someone suggested participating in another 30-day challenge this month, I decided that was a bad idea. This is not the time to load on added stress to do another thing. 

I set my goals – remember how I set weekly goals? – to what I’ll call my default. Activity for 30 minutes 5 times a week. Trying to hit my step goal. Sticking to my calorie limit. 

I’m also aware of the ‘things’ going on that impact me. I have less time. I get more stressed. I might not be able to hit my goals. This month, I’m okay with that. I accept that outside forces can impact my life and this month especially, I give myself leeway. 

I’m going to hang out with my friends and family. Some days I might not track what I eat. But not MOST days. Most days, I will stick to the plan. 

And if I don't make it to the gym or the pool (which I hear is kinda cold right now), it's okay. I can still walk. One year (or two?) I walked a mile to work every day and I decided that it was only when it got to single digits outside that it was truly too cold to walk. 

Basically, when ice crystals form on your eyelashes, its too cold.

I’m also choosing my treats (see Cake and Choices). That artichoke dip, yeah it’s good. But it’s not calling to me. I haven’t made the sugar cookies yet, but I’m positive I will eat one, or two, of those. 

Maybe THREE. 

Listen, I can eat all the cookies I want!

If I deny myself EVERYTHING I’ll be unhappy. That’s kind of unrealistic. But I also can’t eat all of the goodies that spring up. I have to choose. 

 

So out of all the things before me, which thing do I want the most? 

Sugar Cookies. Hands down.

In fact, this reminds me of something a wise man once told me. I’m going to leave you with his sage advice.  

“You can have anything you want, you just can’t have everything you want.”