Stop trying to finish the year and start being present

I sent this video out to my Group Coaching members last week, and thought maybe you could use it too...

We're in the last weeks of the year and there's still a LOT left to happen... AND I'm planning to be on vacation during part of that.

When that happens, I see time running out and become overwhelmed. I start thinking about all the things that won't happen. And start hyperfixating on things that may or may not matter.

In case that's also you right now, I want to remind you that some of our favorite pieces of music have the most beautiful rests in them.

(⬇️ Btw, watch instead of reading, or read on below.)

I'm kind of a fast person. I like to go fast. I like to get things done.

I like to be like a puzzle and figure out like, "Hey, if I put this here, that'll allow me to do this, and then I can automatically move on to that."

(Sometimes I even see other people around me resting and think, "Why are you sitting there? There's so much to be done.")

And because of that, sometimes I miss the opportunity to rest.

As I'm reminded that that's how I'm personally wired, I'm also reminded that when I was growing up, I played the flute and piano.

And in music, the rests are really important.

Next time you're listening to music, listen to the fact that they do rest. They have time to breathe. There is space.

So I want to invite you, in the fullness of this season, to find that rest.

I reached out to my coach (on Voxer because that's what I encourage in my Group Coaching - and I practice as I preach 😂) and said, "Hey, there's a lot to be done before the end of the year and I'm finding my head spinning."

And she said, "Dawn, please do not miss the importance of rest in this time."

So I want to invite you at this time, just like in music, that you find your rest.

Have a wonderful Christmas!

Dawn

PS - Here's something you can try to get present!:

The 30-Minute Presence Audit

Ask yourself two questions:

1. Where did I feel most overwhelmed this week? (Identify the boundary that failed you, e.g., late-night emails, weekend calls.)
2. What is the one non-negotiable personal moment I want to protect between now and January 1st? (Build an "Intentional Wall" around it.)

This intentional pause is your commitment to ensuring the most wonderful time of the year doesn't become the most wasted time of the year.