The Black Friday/Small Business Saturday/Cyber Monday sales once again came out in full force. I even saw Black Friday signs out in October at a few businesses! It seems that we are constantly trying to get a jump on the competition, make something unique, capture attention and more. If I am being completely honest, it can be exhausting—not just as a business owner, but a customer, as well. I think part of this is because we are trained for certain behavior and sales, but there is no longer a “normal” way of doing business. Quite frankly, the pandemic changed all of that. It changed all of us.

I work with a lot of businesses. Between supply challenges, impatient customers, delivery delays and more, I am actually in awe that so many business owners are still in business. Score one for resiliency and having a dream. What I have learned— not only in my own business, but also observing and watching others—is that doing it differently matters. 

I’m not just talking about businesses, I’m talking about us—you and me—in our daily lives.

For me, the “sales weekend” leads right into my preparation time for Christmas. Up until now, this has been a time of hustle and bustle. Attending kids’ events, concerts, parties and more. I have spent so much time worrying about the “right” gift, the perfect wrapping, showing up to certain functions out of obligation and so much more. 

This year, I will be doing it differently. There is an obvious fact that my children are no longer at home, so that part was easy. The other things, however, are intentional and choice is involved. This is because I have really come to embrace the fact that in my life, I have two important gifts to share and they cannot be purchased: time and love. In order for me to fully share my time and love, I also need to create time and space for rest and self-compassion. When I lead with my gifts of time and love, everything else shifts. 

Instead of the typical perfectly-wrapped package under the tree and an exhausted me who can barely keep her eyes open on Christmas, here are some things I will be doing differently:

1. A nice healthy meal prepared for a busy friend and delivered to her door.
2. A handwritten card to friends and family with a carefully-selected design or message that speaks to that person, letting them know they are seen, understood and loved.
3. Babysitting for a friend with young children, including bringing a meal with me and letting the friend know they can take as much time as they need. No need to rush.
4. Offering to take a shift for someone at a volunteer function who has expressed that they need a break.
5. Staying aware of “cues” I hear as I am out and about and being prepared to step up if I feel called to be in service of another human being.
6. Intentional time for myself, including massage, journaling, exercise, healthy meals that fuel, breathing and more.

What are you noticing in your own life? Where do you want to do things differently? I’d love to hear from you!