It is important that our traditions and routines support the best of who are and the relationships we enjoy. Similarly, it is important to assess and revise those traditions as needed. I am thinking about this today as I consider holiday traditions and our usual routines too.
I'm starting the assessment by making a list of life events I enjoy most including these events:
- walks and talks
- dinners at home or out with loved ones
- playing games
- travel and adventure
- creating and making
- discussing big ideas, good books, lifeways
- good foods and drinks
- great shows and movies
Now, as I consider the holidays and weekly routine, how might I revise so that life's favorite activities and more are included.
Let others lead the way
I love the way that people bring new, vibrant ideas into my life, and to encourage that, I am encouraging others to lead our holiday and routine events. As they lead, I'll follow. This gives me the chance to experience new ideas, routines and traditions.
Exchange unhealthy for healthy
Some of the old ways have been proven to be not that healthy. So, to make holidays healthier, we'll exchange some of those ways for new, healthier ways. For example, this Christmas we are exchanging the cocktail hour for a hike, followed by dinner. We all love hiking, and we'll see how this works.
Consider who we are now
Some of the old traditions are not as accessible or interesting to us now, so we have to consider who we are now and what works best for us at this stage.
Know your budget
You don't have to be rich to have a good time, but you do have to consider your budget at you plan the good times and routines.
Make every week special
People build all kinds of special events into their weekly routines. One friend has had Friday film nights, others have a special night for special foods such as pizza. To create a weekly schedule that includes some special events to look forward to each week can make life more joyfu and fun. These special events can include beloved activities, service work, special foods and more.
In many ways, we create the lives we live. The more we can be mindful and creative about this, the better chance we have to live good lives and enjoy positive relationships too.