One Voice at a Time

Posted by Susan Epstein on December 8th, 2010 at 10:05am

Christmas list

Guest Blog – by Armi Sevilla Rowe

As of today, 6 days after Thanksgiving, 30 hours before Chanukah and 12 hours before the first of “25 days of Christmas” I am officially behind once again! I was feeling good about having successfully hosted 28 members of my husband’s family over a 4-day weekend long celebration.

My revolving front door received visitors from Orange County in CA, Kansas, Delaware, Massachusetts, Westchester NY, Brooklyn NY and Long Island NY. I followed an organized plan, prepping many things a couple of days beforehand and whipping up last minute touches so that the food was warm and delicious and most importantly, home-made. After everyone left, it took me over 3 hours to vacuum, put things back where they belong and run several machine-wash loads to replenish, sheets, towels and blankets.

I felt I had achieved something great. I patted myself on the back. And then I opened my mailbox. I was aghast to find two holiday greeting cards. ARGHH! I expected to see houses light up on my street 2 days after turkey day, but greeting cards before December 1st? It’s just not right.

I found myself writing a ridiculously long to-do list and stress creeping up my shoulders and neck. I had a pounding headache thinking about the holiday photo op I had not yet scheduled for the family, including the dog this year!

The dog. It was time to take my dog for a walk. With each step I took, I was able to clear my head and I heard one louder voice among a fading chatter. What do I do now? Take a step. That’s what I will do first. And then the next; and the next. I will listen to one voice at a time.

Armi Sevilla Rowe
ASR Perspectives
“Articulate Strategically to Resonate”
armirowe@gmail.com