You see, I’ve been operating at a crazy fast pace.  I bet you have too because that’s what we do at this holiday time of year, isn’t it?  Sometimes when we’re turned up and we’re buzzing around accomplishing massive amounts of tasks, we’re firing on all cylinders, accomplishing everything in site, we miss some of the details.  Or at least I do.  I don’t mean to say that I miss them in the sense that I don’t participate because indeed I am certainly there and I do go through the motions.  But, what’s really happening is I’m missing the details because I’m not enjoying the moment to it’s fullest potential.  My mom said to me, “Where is my daughter who always loves Christmas so much?”.  She’s right.  That person has only partially showed up this year.  And that person loves the details about Christmas, from buying pre-Christmas gifts and sending them ahead of time to baking cookies for everyone to having girlfriend parties to adopting less fortunate families.

So, now it’s Christmas eve and by my count that leaves about eight days left of the holiday season before 2009 kicks off in full swing.  How can I enjoy the holidays to their fullest in the time that’s left?  By really paying attention to the details.  Yes, I think for sure it’s all in the details.  Sure, I’ve had parties, baked cookies, looked at Christmas lights and had fun with my toddler so far.  But what I’ll focus on in the next eight days is SLOWING DOWN, SHUTTING OFF and just enjoying every moment.

For the first time in my adult life, I didn’t send out holiday cards to anyone but family.  I was determined but now I’ve flipped the switch and my holiday cards will just have to wait.  The surprising thing is, I’m perfectly okay with this now.  That’s huge for me as I’m quite the perfectionist.

So, in summary, my wish for you this holiday season is that you, too, can focus on the important things and live in the details.  Take a look at your to do lists and priortize them.  Lookat each thing on your list and really think about whether it’s important that you complete them or if your time is better spent with a loved one or just with yourself.  Be centered so that you can enjoy your moments and those around you.  You’ll be surprised at how a little shift in your own attitude can make a big difference for everyone around you.  Afterall, if the queen isn’t happy, nobody’s happy, right?

On a personal note, I wish you all the best of details this holiday week.  I thank you for your continued support of everything I do and mostly for participating in Six Figure Moms Club by reading my writing, commenting, attending events, being brave enough to step up and be controversial and showing up however you do to make the lives of others more fabulous.  Remember, you are terrific and YOU make a difference in helping other women create their best lives everyday.  HAPPY HOLIDAYS! 

Warmly, Angie

PS.  Can you believe I got through that post without mentioning Twitter?  I have some exciting news!  I’ll be launching a new blog in 2009 devoted specially to (drum roll please….you guessed it….TWITTER!  Stay tuned for details.)

Tracy Green just launched a new website, www.smartworkingmom.com.  Her site is worth a look if you have a minute.  This week, she emailed me and also left a comment on my blog.  I’d like to share them both with you because I think you’ll relate to what she’s saying.

 Email:  “I applaude you!  It was so refreshing to see a website that makes it okay for moms to work, and want to work and celebrates those who do!  I’m emailing to ask your permission to list www.sixfiguremomsclub.com as a  HOT LINK on my evolving website:  www.smartworkingmom.com.  I’m a full-time, plus working mom of two boys and enjoy having a career. My issue became that I was in complete control and successful at the office, but at home — forget it! I was out of my element.  (Snipped)

 Blog Comment: ”First, this is such a dynamic site! Finally, a site that doesn’t try to help moms get over whatever “guilt” they have for working. In terms of the one thing that I’m grateful for this Thanksgiving, OPPORTUNITY — the opportunity to have it all, career, family, health, success, etc. Best, Tracy”

Tracy points out three major issues for Six Figure Working Moms:  Judgment, Guilt and the ability to successfully juggle everything.  In her email, Tracy says it’s refreshing that my website makes it okay for mom’s to work.  Absolutely!  In my mind, it’s okay for a mom to do whatever she wants as long as she’s making choices that are healthy for herself and her family.  It’s so hard for us to remember not to judge each other isn’t it?  We women are our worst enemies.  I catch myself judging other women’s choices all the time and having to remind myself that it’s really none of my business.  Try it for one week.   Be on ultra alert for when you are judging others and ask yourself why.

The second issue Tracy points out is Guilt.  Why DO we feel guilty about working and wanting things for ourselves?  It doesn’t really matter why because it’s a phenomenon that’s been around for as long as women have been working and it’s not likely going away.  I say this because acknowledging guilt as a normal part of being a working mother sometimes makes it a bit more palatable.  Sure, there are some days when it bothers us more than others.  For me, those are the days when I need to readjust my calendar, reroute my priorities and spend more time with my daughter.  My guilt is a pretty good barometer if I use it and understand it correctly. 

Lastly, Tracy discusses that she had everything perfectly oiled at work but things were falling apart at home.  Sound familiar?  There really are only so many hours in the day and you’ve got to remember that balance is required when you’re living your life in the fast lane of career and home life.  You have to allow room for error when your operating at this fast pace.  If someone gets sick or something unexpected happens, your plan will get off kilter so plan for that as a normal part of your routine.  It will undoubtedly happen.  If you expect it, it won’t be such a surprise and will be a little easier to deal with.

A friend suggested that I read, The Traveler’s Gift by Andy Andrews, as it seemed appropriate since I’m on an 18 day marathon trip. The book is about personal leadership and seven steps everyone should take to improve personal character. If you haven’t read it, it’s certainly worth the short time investment. You will finish with a great reminder of all of the things you should think about everyday to ensure you live your best life.

Conversely, if you don’t feel like reading, I do recommend the triathlon approach to balance. Although, beware of the injury factor, I have a sunburned nose, a bruised arm, a banged up knee and several other reminders of the day. All worth it though…

Check out the post and tell me what you think?

The other interesting thing to note when visiting Business Week’s blog is how vehemently readers respond to working women’s issues. Sometimes the posters are downright angry that women want to work and raise a family. If your family is safe and happy, whose business is it anyway?