It’s the most wonderful time of the year. Is it? Here are the pluses: family visits, time off from work, great food and cozy nights inside. The minuses: tons of errands, cooking, bank account dwindling, cold that hurts the joints and more work to do due to short staffing at work.  I’m the housekeeper, chef, wife, employee, friend, santa, trash collector, organizer, patient, sister, aunt, blogger, writer, driver, task rabbit and my own best friend. 

I often look at my to-do list and wonder how do I get so much done while coping with some physical constraints due to my autoimmune disease, a full-time job and relationships.  I used to believe the phrase you can rest when you are dead. Then, it dawned on me that doing too much can kill you. 

I now pause, even during a chaotic and overly demanding day at work with no acknowledgement to listen to music. I work out every morning for at least 25 minutes. I watch entertaining show. I complete Spanish lessons on line, text a friend, vent so I can release stress, walking around the neighborhood. More importantly, I forgive myself for what didn’t get done, acknowledge what has been accomplished and give myself permission to say “no,” “I can’t” or  reschedule.

So for day 3 of my Christmas countdown, I am saluting my black girl magic. The unique ability to persevere, strive for excellence, and be reliable while preserving my peace and health. 

#christmassweatercountdown #sayyes #spoonie #autoimmunedisease #blogger #blackgirlmagic #preserveyourpeace