Give Yourself Grace
Remember when we all got tired of the word unprecedented?
Well, I’m bringing it back for one last hoorah.
There’s simply no better word for this year than unprecedented.
For example, you may recall that we launched Grace in the Race on Leap Day, February 29th, 2020… You have it circled with a heart on your calendar, right?… 13 days later, the wheels fell off of the world as we knew it.
And so we pivoted… oh, hold up, there are two words for 2020: unprecedented and pivot. If Pantone and Time get two, then it only seems on-trend to follow suit.
“Pivot!” Who could have anticipated that that 1999 episode of Friends that so hilariously orchestrated the word would make such a comeback 21 years later? Has it really been 21 years? I digress…
It’s been a wild year to say the least. And while it will soon be time to make your New Year’s Revelation (yes, you read that right, and no, we don’t mean biblically), let’s embrace the last couple weeks of this unprecedented year with a pivot to grace.
Here are our recommendations on how to do just that and finish strong.
1. Say Uncle!… Grace for You
If we’ve learned one thing this year it’s that some things in life are simply out of our control. Sometimes life requires us to lean into the dissonance and roll with the punches. So, stop fighting it. Stop worrying. Stop trying to do all of the things that are beyond your control. (Wow, I’m bossy today. I’m not done…)
Live each day in the moment. Be present and mindful. Take control of your thoughts and act accordingly. Let there be peace in your mind and in your heart. Let go of the things that burden your soul and don’t bring YOU joy. Stop comparing yourself to anyone but the person you were yesterday!
Say Uncle and surrender to grace. Grace is a pitstop, not a vacation, but taking enough pitstops along the way will certainly make for a more comfortable journey.
Okay, I think I’ve maxed out my cliché allotment for the day. Is the message loud and clear? Give yourself grace!
Just for good measure, I’ll sum it up with quotes from two of today’s worldly influencers: “Let it flow, let yourself go, slow and low, that is the tempo.” – Beastie Boys. And, the more direct version for emphasis, “Let it go!” – Elsa (clearly a Beastie Boys fan).
2. Forgive and Forget… Grace for Others
So many relationships have suffered as a result of 2020. Some have ended for the better. Some have ended at the detriment of pandemic circumstance and for others… time will tell.
Ironically, for some, the turmoil comes as a result of too much together time and for others it’s a result of the pain from the chasm left in the aftermath of so much distance.
The holiday “break” gives us the pause we need to reflect and consider what is truly important in the world. If the answer is your relationships, mend them. Save them. Forgive and forget the things that aren’t worth burdening your heart. If you don’t know where to begin, start with “I love you” or “I miss you” or “I’m sorry” if that’s the reality.
We’re all suffering in some fashion this year and as a result, we’re all coping in our own way. Give grace. Have the hard conversations – wherever they may lead because life is too short to hold grudges.
3. Be Grateful & Hopefully Optimistic… Grace for the Process
Honor whatever good you can glean from this year. Chances are, the list is longer than you think. Dwelling on anything else is fruitless.
Have an attitude of gratitude and give yourself permission to embrace the present. Set your trajectory with hope for what is to come.
We have more experience than we ever knew we needed in facing the unknown head-on. Use that to your advantage as we turn the page to the new year.
Find a way to reflect and forge on without spending too much time “looking back.” A new year brings hope and a clean slate. What will you do with yours?
Fill up your grace tank.
Get rest and love on yourself a little extra this holiday season.
Remind yourself that you are capable of incredible things.
Be grateful and hopeful for what is to come and welcome it with open arms, an open heart and an open mind.
Take one day at a time and face each one with purpose, intention, gratitude and grace. And if any given day doesn’t shake out the way you expected, always remember you get a do-over tomorrow. (That’s how you give yourself grace!)
Finally, smile every day. “Smiling is my favorite.” – Buddy the Elf
Finish strong, mamas! You’ve got this! We’re cheering for you!
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