You can never change just one thing. Everything is interconnected. So… you have heard it before, when you change one thing everything around it must change too.
I am sure this week and next will be very busy for everyone. Whether you are going to relatives for the Thanksgiving Holiday or staying home to celebrate with a small group, preparations of all kinds are snapping into your mind, even if you aren’t ready to act. Questions like “Where did I put that turkey pan?” or “Should we use paper plates or real dishes?” are potentially pesky problems waiting to be solved at this time of year whether you are cooking for five or just for yourself. The developments of one event, like Thanksgiving, set off a chain of similar events like a falling domino.
Holidays are the perfect example how significant times in our life can feel like the Domino Effect. One example might be because the routines that make up our daily lives start to get turned upside down weeks before the event. A last minute, more functional change like having to move the table 2ft. over to make room for the extra person that Cousin Connie forgot to tell you about creates the byproduct that will certainly cause more changes (where is the extra chair?).
The chair example can be construed as a small problem, especially if you or someone you know are struggling with the changes of not being surrounded by people. But it doesn’t mean you can’t make them feel special. It can be a time to reach further adding an extra phone call or two to family and friends that are not going to be with you this year. There may be so many that you need to get started now!
The holiday season is supposed to be a joyful experience, spending time with friends and family, reflecting on the crazy year most have survived. However, sometimes, holidays and gatherings of all kinds can cause anxiety without you even recognizing the turn. While you are reading this blog, committing to the changes necessary to create a fun holiday experience might seem easy, but we all know that once we have moved the first pile of “stuff” and dominos start falling, it will be good to have some go-to plans ready. Preparations of all kinds, especially how to keep calm, is worth scripting and acting on to keep your stress level from rapidly falling into the Domino Effect! Make contingency plans. Allow for uncertainty!
It is good to remember that the Domino Effect is not merely a phenomenon that happens to you, but it can be something you purposely create. It is totally within your power to spark a chain reaction of new and better habits, building new desires that naturally lead to the next successful action.
Holidays are great educations and course choices for the rest of the year. They are good times to practice patience, organizational skills, budgeting, signature drink serving skills, and small talk, staying far away negative interactions!
As you try on new habits, baking tips or turkey recipes, focus on keeping them small and manageable. Who knows what other areas of life these changes will flow into?
I am no Marie Kondo, but — Last tip to avoid a negative Domino Effect and embrace a wave of positive Effects — Pick up all Thanksgiving deco before you get the Christmas jingle bells out! Also, a good tip for everyday life. Clean it up before starting anything new to avoid the carryover of what no longer fits the moment!
Love to all,
Cindi
