There is a distinct possibility that up until this past weekend I had actually succumbed to the Humbug spirit. Yes, it’s supposed to be a season lush with merry spirits, thankfulness and joyous bliss. I felt more like a prune, dry, withered and weathered. Sounds kind of sad, but it’s true. I didn’t have the energy to get into the Christmas spirit. I didn’t have the patience for sweetness. I didn’t want to be generous, I wanted to horde because I had so little to give. What I didn’t realize is that when you continue to push when you need to stop, fidget when you’re supposed to rest, and create more drama when you should be at peace… well, inevitably things start to wear out. This weekend I slept in. I took long walks, three of them, even in the bitter cold. I ate good food (which means more than Christmas cookies and chocolate). I wrote in my journal. And I did all of these things with the intent to nourish. Not to simply cross it off my list. Gosh, I never would have thought I would be the Scrouge at Christmas, but I was. Just ask my husband. Hunny, I promise to let you scrap off the car in the mornings if you want, I won’t bully you into giving me the scrapper because I think I could do it better. Promise! I still have the need for attitude adjustments, but at least a different perspective won’t feel so painful.
images from James Merrell
21 comments:
Great photos! Hope your in better spirits! Sometimes it is so easy to become the Scrouge without even realizing it!
Those images are certainly helping to pick up my spirits. I'm glad you got some time to refresh yourself!
this is the most uplifting humbug post i've ever read! there's so much pressure this time of year to do so much in such little time. you recovered your spirit simply by recognizing that you were pushing yourself too hard. good for you! :)
oh jewels, even in your humbugness you delight me. i am happy to hear you took the time to relax.
allocating time to relax always does the trick, doesn't it?! i think i need some of that too...
a very inspiring post, julia!
that's what i love about your blog: your honesty and truthfulness...
i agree that your scrooge probably equals the nice of many people. there is so much external pressure to be merry at this time of year and sometimes you just need to take a break and 'de-tox'. i'm glad you took some personal me time and feel a bit better. thanksgiving is usually the holiday that does me in. xo, c
I have totally had yrs like this!!!! maybe it will all turn around for you in the next few days :)
sending cheer your way!!!!
Ugh...I know, this Wisconsin weather doesn't help either. Tea at the Dobra Tea House will solve that.
I just love the photo of the woman basking in the company of her dogs. I saw myself in that image.
also..Thanks for the Friday Fav shout out last week... I was honored I made your gift list.
Your weekend sounded lovely! We all need a little time to ourselves to recoup especially this time of year. These photos definitely put me in the right mood. Thanks!
no worries Jewels..i have been forcing myself to be into the spirit so much that i just don't feel it anymore. Too much pressure ya know? take it easy dear and it will come to you.
sending my love
great round-up of photos. what a nice weekend you had...i really need to do something like that soon because i'm getting burned out and feel frazzled!
I need to go to Wisconsin and take walks with you! :) Thank you for your comment, and your prayers...they really mean a lot to us. Much love!
No matter any thoughts to the contrary, I could never think of Jewels and Humbug in the same sentence! I will tell you, though, that it's been a lot of the same for me, so your words of wisdom are helping me find what I sometimes lose so easily: perspective. ☺
I know what you mean - it can be hard getting into the spirit! Wishing you the best!
I know exactly what you mean. I keep getting down about the bad things this time of year, when I really should be appreciating the good. With all the stress and such it's easy to forget. I'm glad you're feeling better!!
beautiful images and an inspiring post. I'd expect nothing less from you!
Thank you for these lovely photos! It's hard to get into the christmas spirit, when things are not feeling as they should. I completely understand! And am so glad you took the time to nourish. It's the smartest thing to do. Keep on taking the time for yourself!
xo mjm
Hmmm, confessions. =) I think we're really supposed to live kinda off mark sometimes, but it's great to have the sense to stop and reflect on what we've been doing. =) I think we should make this xmas vacation our reflecting period. I am. =) (Haven't started yet though. Haha. But it's the plan.)
I too had some moments of lack lustre and feeling sad that I did not have more holiday spirit. Sharing such thoughts of
holiday humbug are merely there to remind us of the bright and shiny light, especially of those lovely images.
Take time to nourish and rejuvenate your self. T'is a gray day and I am taking time to journal for next year's holiday full of hand made things, and simple pleasures.
Hope you're feeling better and were able to pull out of the humbug mood . . . Wishing you warm thoughts and even warmer wishes for a bright and happy New Year!
xo
oh! i know how you feel here...and i love that you coupled your post with james merrell's photos--(he's one of my favorites--i am just now catchinmg up with over two weeks worth of posts from all my favorite bloggers (inc you!)...i wish i could stop when i'm supposed to but it just doesn't work for me during this season...here's to a restful week for us all dear...
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