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Blog: The Nature of Being Organized
 Are You Living The Holidays From The Inside Out?
For the many years, over a two day period at Christmas, I traveled over four hundred miles hopping from one house to another. Most years it was fun. For the past two years I stayed home and family came to me. That decision lifted a huge weight off me and I didn't stop there. I made a commitment to buy more services for the special people on my list, give gifts that support the world or donate money to charity. I buy gifts that are consumable or have instant homes once they're unwrapped. My shopping list is cut in half, I'm not baking as much, and I'm only doing what I have the time and energy to do.
This year I am stepping out once again and going against expectations. A friend of mine is moving out to New Mexico for the winter and has invited me to drive out with her and spend a nontraditional holiday with people she knows there. I gulped when the offer was made thinking first of how it would be received by the people in my life. Then I realized this was something I've wanted to do for many years and the opportunity came knocking. How could I refuse? My moment of feeling selfish was quickly transformed to one of giving myself a gift of happiness of which everyone in my life will benefit.
The holiday season is dedicated to giving and receiving not to guilt and frustration. This year I'm continuing to live from the "inside out" and give to myself first by focusing on my mental and emotional well-being. When I am joyful, I give the gift of joy. When I am happy, I give the gift of happiness. When I am peaceful I give the gift of peace. The people in my life deserve that and it will be returned tenfold. It's a powerful cycle.
There is magic in this season, but it isn't in the stuff. It's on the inside. Our true essence is joy. We can't experience it bogged down by the weight of obligation, expectation, or guilt. Each year I have been able to take steps to let go of the expectations of our consumer-driven society and each year I feel lighter and more joyous when the holidays arrive. Stress or happiness, which gift will you give and receive this year?
Love To You,
Maggie
posted on: 12/17/2009 12:00:00 PM by Maggie McCauley
category: The Mental Side
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The Nature of Being Organized
by Maggie McCauley
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About Maggie:
Maggie McCauley, ACC, LICSW, The Effortless Organizing Coach, is the president of "A New View". She takes a holistic approach to organizing coaching her clients to create new habits that promote overall well-being, a sense of freedom and peace of mind.
Maggie's Website:
www.anewviewforyou.com
Maggie's Products:
My Favorite Books
- The Success Principles by Jack Canfield
- It's Hard To Make A Difference When You Can't Find Your Keys by Marilyn Paul
- Organize With Confidence by Elizabeth Hagen
- The Secret Of Letting Go by Guy Finley
- Life Is Short--Wear Your Party Pants by Loretta La Roche
- The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz
- The Seven Whispers by Christina Baldwin
- Loving What Is by Byron Katie
- Making A Change For Good by Cheri Huber
- "Happiness Now!" by Robert Holden, PhD.
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