It is easy to accumulate an overabundance of thoughtful gifts this time of year; how many of us have received one too many fruitcakes, cookie plates or scarf sets? (Although delicious, I can say without a doubt I have eaten one too many cookie plates in the past.) I have new gift idea… it has zero calories, no guilt and leaves everyone involved happy. Wanna hear? At age 35, I now think that the gift of TIME is the best gift we can offer during the holiday season. It is precious and sometimes a bit scarce.
My teenager appreciates her Ugg boots, iPhone and other luxuries, but this year my plan is to give her some quiet time together. Yes, family time, just what every teenager wants for Christmas!(I think at 13, I considered that cruel and unusual treatment!) But if she insists on growing up so quickly I had better slow down and create a few extra memories together.
.JPG)
Last week I had a yet another reality check – time is really flying… and quicker every year. On Monday one of my very first practice members, Skyp, was in for his wellness adjustment. Skyp saw my older daughter Brooke helping out that evening at the Pembroke Crossroads front desk. He took great joy in reminding her how much she loved sitting on his lap at our grand opening 12 years prior. She smiled (perhaps blushed a bit) and giggled while Skyp and I exchanged comments about feeling “old.” I’m quite sure the Universe never misses a chance to remind me that I have been on the planet about 12,690 days now. Whew! If I live to 95, I only have about 23,725 days left.I have accomplished a lot, and feel incredibly blessed to have provided chiropractic care for so many families over the years. But somehow, the busier life gets, the faster the days, months and years pass. So as the frenzied holiday season approaches this week, I plan to act with intention to slow down my pace. The shopping, wrapping, volunteering and of course cooking will get done. But in the chaos of trying to get it all in, I am going to slow my mind and my pace to savor the beauty of the season.
If anyone else needs to slow down too, I’m looking for some friends to keep me accountable – this goal could prove difficult for me!
In love and health,
Dr. Stephanie