The end of the year has always held a special place in my heart. And by special, I mean overwhelming.
The transition of fall to winter coupled with several national holidays, not to mention anniversaries, birthdays, and end-of-year memories, can weigh heavy when you’re standing next to an ornament, wearing an ugly sweater, and eating pie. I’ve come to realize that it’s not entirely my fault that I can’t deal gracefully with the last month of the year; it’s a season all its own with its own rules, requirements, and reflections. I’m calling it Wild Omar season.
Let me explain. There’s a road near my house called Wildomar that we drive up to get to Stinson Beach. The first time I saw it, I found the name strange — Wild Omar? My mind filled with images of Turks and caravans, Bedouins, gypsies, and the spice markets of Marin County. When did my people settle here? And then it hit me. Not Wild Omar but WILL-da-mahr. I had invented an entire history from one creatively pronounced street name that perfectly describes the secret season wedged between fall and winter.
Wild Omar season is inherently trickster energy. It makes you think something is happening when nothing is happening. It inspires panic and dread. It makes you cry watching AT&T commercials. It drives you to drink at 2:00 p.m. but then convinces you that you really need a strong cup of coffee, which only keeps you up late into night. How you feel, what inspires you, the thoughts that come are I believe influenced by this turning of the wheel. It’s a perfect combination to ignite an end-of-year total meltdown. Unless, of course, you know how to detect the clever ways of Wild Omar and more importantly, detract from having Wild Omar set foot in your home, at work, in your body, or in your relationships. Here are some ways to quell the trickster energy and transition into winter like a boss.
1. Protect the first and last hour of your day. Mental spirals begin with the imagination. They can be a mixture of unsettled feelings combined with worst case scenario dreaming. Curb the trickster by staying off your device during the first and last hour of your waking day.
2. Go easy on the sugar. Processed sugar can wreak havoc on your system and energy levels but especially so during this time of year when immunity can be low and stress high. Keep yourself centered by taking the time to eat vegetables and drink your bone broth.
3. Stop complaining. My husband gives me three glorious minutes to freely and fully wrench and twist any story. But when my time has run up, that’s it. While venting can have its place, too much venting quickly turns into a toxic situation for yourself and the poor fellow who may be lending an ear. During the fifth season, take a break from the joys of complaining or at the very least, limit the hot air.
4. Look for reasons to celebrate. Now this is an interesting one. You would think that being high holiday season, the reasons would be obvious. But I wonder if we’re a bit on auto-pilot, perhaps a little numb to giving thanks, showing appreciation, and creating space for a new year. While the stress can be high, the invitation is real. Can we slow down, tune in, and open? Are we able to prioritize people instead of projects and be grateful for what we already have? It’s a good time to find the real answers to those questions and discover why the holidays are holy to begin with.
