Curing the Holiday Hangover

“It’s not only the scenery you miss by going fast. You also miss the sense of where you are going and why.” – E. Cantor

Have you ever had a hangover?

Stayed out a little too late. Had one too many drinks. Come on, we’ve all been there!

But the kind of hangover I’m referring to this morning isn’t the kind that a glass of water and a few Tylenol can cure.

No, I’m referring to the holiday hangover.

All the build up, excitement, planning, time away from work, family gathered, gifts exchanged…is now over. All the preparation, cooking, eating, opening of presents, racing to parties, watching the clock strike midnight, and flipping the calendar has left you in debt, tired and a little down.

And now you’re heading back to work, to school, to real life.

So how do we cure this kind of hangover?

A woman with nine and a half decades of experience gave me some sage advice at our family Christmas Eve celebration.

My parents hosted their six children and spouses, 17 grandchildren, a few friends, and my 94-year-old grandmother, Caddy. She’s an amazing woman and right before dinner I had a wonderful 15-minute conversation just with her.

Grandma’s short-term memory is beginning to fade, but her zest for life and natural beauty remain perfectly intact. During our conversation I asked about her childhood, how she met my grandpa, what it was like during World War II when he was in the Pacific, raising kids during the 50s, and a few of her favorite memories.

I then asked what advice she’d give me as I continued along this path in life.
She looked me in the eyes, patted my right leg, and responded thoughtfully, “Seems like today everyone is so busy racing. All that racing means they’re busy doing things, but also more likely to miss the gifts that are in front of them right now.”

After 94 of years of living life, raising kids, losing friends, enduring recessions and wars, learning through mistakes, savoring the good stuff, my grandma realizes that the very success many sprint toward professionally, relationally, in parenting is elusive because we don’t slow down enough to notice gifts that are already ours to celebrate. [Tweet this] | [Share on Facebook]

My friend, as we step into a new year, with new goals, new resolutions, new opportunities and new uncertainties, I encourage you to embrace the sage advice to slow down and to not miss the gifts that are in front of you right now.

It’s the perfect medicine for the hangover so many are struggling with today. Slow down. Take an inventory of the blessings in your life. Look around at all you have. Take account of the lessons you’ve learned, the adventures you’ve experienced, the wisdom you’ve received, the life you’ve lived and the possibility before you.

Today is your day. Live Inspired.

What is one blessing you can be grateful for today to help cure your holiday hangover? Please share in the comments below.