Ron Macklin and Deb Dendy
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As the holiday season approaches, we often find ourselves caught in a whirlwind of traditions, obligations, and endless to-do lists. But what if we could change the story in our heads from merely surviving the holidays to truly celebrating them?
Ron Macklin shares how his relationship with the holidays transformed over the years. Early on, holidays seemed more like a series of tasks to complete: surviving Christmas, juggling family commitments, and balancing an intense year-end workload. These obligations turned joy into exhaustion, as Ron recalls those hectic Christmas Eve night drives and managing last-minute work commitments.
However, pivotal moments reshaped his perspective. A magical Christmas intervention by a kind friend and a transformative familial experience in Germany helped Ron learn the importance of savoring time with loved ones and shifting focus from obligations to genuine connections.
Deb Dendy's story echoes the pressure many of us face during the holidays. From battling hectic work schedules to hosting family gatherings, she experienced the weight of seasonal busyness firsthand. However, over time, Deb discovered the power of saying no to unnecessary commitments, opening up space for peace and spontaneity.
She observes that busyness doesn't necessarily lead to fulfillment and highlights the importance of creating space for meaningful connections and spontaneous joy.
Both Ron and Deb emphasize the need to re-evaluate our holiday narratives. By identifying and challenging the self-imposed stories of obligations, they advocate for a fresh approach to the season—one filled with freedom, presence, and authentic connection.
The common thread in their experiences is the idea of 'just being'—allowing space for unscheduled moments and embracing spontaneity. It's about carving out tranquility amidst chaos and valuing genuine interactions over curated events.
Reflecting on these personal stories, Ron advises embracing your 'stand'—the principles that guide what you will and won’t do. This involves introspection and conscious decision-making to live an authentic life. According to Ron, our innate tendencies to mimic are inauthentic. Instead, identifying a personal stand leads to a more intentional and peaceful holiday experience.
As you enter this holiday season, consider the stories in your head. Are they yours, or are they inherited? What are the dragons, real or metaphorical, that keep you from fully enjoying the holidays?
Perhaps this year, challenge yourself to create a space for just being—in conversation, in silence, in the presence of loved ones. Let this holiday be the greatest gift of all: the gift of authentic connection and joyful presence.
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