This is the first year in a long time that I'm able to attend the holiday office party. For years I've been guilty about missing this event, but family took priority and I could not attend.
As I think about this, it reminds me that we have to beware of too great expectations for self, and as a work team we have to beware of too great expectations for each other. Our lives change over time and what we can do at one stage may not be the same as what we can do at another stage. We can't feel guilty about what we can't do if we make the time to set our priorities with good thought and care.
Having a family-first attitude throughout my professional career has been critically important. I don't regret that, but I do regret the many times I felt guilty about not signing up for the countless extra events and initiatives that cross my path--no one can do it all, and we all have to choose carefully what we invest our time, energy, and dollars into. We also have to realize that many who have expectations for us haven't walked in our shoes and don't understand our circumstances or commitments well. Only we can decide for ourselves, and only we know what's important to our good living and choosing.
So my message at this holiday season is to beware of too great expectations for self--be reasonable and respectful about what you prioritize and what you can do. Focus on what's most important, and for me at this time the priorities are much the same as in the past which are family, professional responsibilities, and for the first time in a long time, a bit more time for friends and colleagues outside of the regular routine. Onward.
