In a “normal” setting, I’ve observed there are typically four events where people lose their minds.
- Weddings
- Funerals
- Christmas*
- Babies being born
I think it’s because these events evoke strong emotions for all of us.
Wedding can become a tug of war, or bring political and religious feeling to the surface. Who’s invited, who’s not, how much is it going to cost. “You’re spending HOW MUCH on a dress you’ll wear once??!!”
Funerals bring out the best and worst. “How can you mourn someone who was such a jerk?!” “He/she was a total saint.” “The circumstances around this person’s demise are questionable.”
Christmas. Holy cow. Where to start? Traditions. Expectations. I once traveled to six different family gatherings over Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. It was bananas. Here’s my common sense approach. If you’re waiting for Christmas, one day a year, to see you’re family and tell them how much you love them…you’re doing it wrong. There are 364 additional days in the year. Yes, Christmas is special, let’s keep it that way.
Babies. Boy or girl? What are you going to name him/her? Family name? Are you going to vaccinate? What are you going to do about school? Mind you, these questions come the moment you get engaged, married, and literally at the reception.
The common theme in each of these scenarios is that our emotions take control and make us dumb, irrational, and say and do things we otherwise wouldn’t.
It’s up to us to stop the madness! Breathe. Stay in the moment. Have our traditions without being crazy and imposing our own emotions on someone.
What say you?
PS The fifth one is now covid-19. Supply chains are fine. Quit hoarding. Be smart. Keep on keepin’ on. Please, I’m begging you.
#winning #mindset
*I’m sure there are other holidays I’m not aware of that evoke strong emotions. I’m not intending to leave anyone out, simply writing from experience. If there’s a major holiday in your world that brings this response, substitute here.