Self-improvement can wait a day or two

Eden and I decided to take a few days off over this holiday period and when you slow down and give yourself time to process things, emotions can come up. And this morning, I felt really sad. I haven’t been to Australia in 2 years and I really started to miss my family. 
 
I want to see my dad’s enjoyment as he cooks for the family. See my grandma's Christmas decorations and eat german gingerbread with her. Have intimate drinks with my friends. Share gifts and stories with my mum and my sisters. Meet my best friend's first baby. Have an intellectual debate with my little brother.
 
This year’s Christmas hit me hard. Why? Because I allowed myself to slow down for the first time in 2 years and all the feelings came up. 
 
Eden reminded me that we will be seeing our Australian family and friends in March when we go home for a few weeks. And that we probably won’t want to see them again for another 2 years anyway 😂 (I’m just joking dad).

So today I wanted to write about so many things like;
Building a routine for the new year.
Aligning your goals with your values. 
End of year reflections. 
But honestly, as I started to write about all of these, I’m thinking… my friends, audience, you, don’t need motivation right now. 
 
What you need is actually just some time to enjoy yourself and rest. 
Not necessarily reflect but just to find your peace in your family, your friends, your pets and yourself. 
 
With so much noise at the moment on routines, reflections, end of year audits - you’re allowed to be tired of improving yourself (for now). 
 
Sometimes the best reflections, moments of realisations and creativity are found when you’re not looking anyway.

You’re allowed to stop and I’m encouraging it for you, and for me, and also you Eden - get off the computer and stop working 😂. 
 
Take a few days to stop tracking, optimising and reflecting. Just take the time to see your family, your friends, eat your favourite foods, read, watch movies, go for walks, play video games, cook, dance, drink and although cliche - be merry. 
 
Eden and I are going to a Christmas market tonight and tomorrow we will celebrate with each other and video call our family and friends. 

As always, thank you for being here.

Whatever you celebrate and believe in, Eden and I wish you the happiest of holidays - just remember to take some time to switch off and enjoy yourself. 
 
Until next week my hard working friends.