Writing Dailey

We’re in the final push, the last quarter of 2024, and I may have figuratively pushed myself into the dirt.

All year, I push myself hard, but even harder in the last stretch, when, historically and physiologically, we should be lessening our burdens and slowing our pace to succumb to the quietness of fall and winter.

In the spirit of the football season, I’ll align my terminology accordingly—I’ve tush-pushed or brotherly shoved myself to the brink when I should’ve hopped on the bench and ridden out the remaining weeks with moderate gusto. After all, bench-warmers still work hard, practice their trade, and get paid without overdoing it.

In today’s world, with our productivity-driven society and modern life hustle, slowing down to the pace of a hibernating critter isn’t really an option. Sure, could we as individuals choose to take on less work or be less active in our communities, families, and social circles—yes.

However, it may come at the cost of income (required to pay those pesky bills and fill our fridges) and missed meaningful experiences. It would be great if we could all get on the same page and allow ourselves the grace to still our schedules and focus more on rest and rejuvenation, but alas, ‘tis not to be.

Even with this desire for a Frog and Toad/Owl at Home lifestyle nestled deeply in my heart, I’m guilty of already thinking about and planning for 2025—taking meetings, drafting proposals, and scheduling projects. It’s difficult to remain in the present moment, especially as a small business owner and fledgling entrepreneur.

It’s good to work hard, put forth effort, and plan, but not to the point of it being detrimental to your health and peace of mind. I wish I were better at taking the sage advice of my inner hermit, but I get too caught up in the chaos of producing, earning, going and doing, and rarely saying “no,” just like everyone else.

Since being social is healthy and important, I’ll attend my final book club meetings of the year—that’s a no-brainer—and attend Downtown Petoskey’s Holiday Open House to connect with my communities. I’ll host a couple of festive movie nights with friends and go see Nosferatu at The Lyric Theatre (it’s not a seasonally appropriate film, but it looks killer) for laid-back stimulation. Perhaps I’ll test my mind-palace at Barrel Back’s upcoming holiday movie trivia night, too, just for fun.

I’ll send out wax-sealed Christmas cards and wrap gifts while listening to Johnny Mathis, Frank, Bing, and Nat because the tactile acts surrounding gift-giving speak to my love language. And I’ll watch It’s a Wonderful Life, The Shop Around the Corner, Elf, and Jingle All the Way while drinking cocoa because sitting on the couch with my boyfriend is a surefire way to recharge my serotonin levels.

So, in the spirit of recalibrating, I’ll enact my slow-down masterplan today by journeying in the crisp air of late autumn to select a mini evergreen from a tree farm in Cheboygan County. Later, I’ll decorate it with my collection of odd and endearing ornaments while a black and white holiday film plays in the background (It’s fair game for all things Christmas now that Thanksgiving has wrapped.).

Chin-chin to you and yours as we embark on this last leg of the year. Make sure you’re taking care amidst the snowflakes and holiday haze—it’s the best present you can give yourself and those around you during the final push.

Coming up next:

December — A Freelancer’s Year-End Review