This week is National Handwashing Week .
I fall somewhere between “Extra precautions are a good idea” and “What’s all the hysteria really about?! ” when it comes to exposing my already-accelerated immune system to all that’s out there these days. This middle ground applies to many things in my life, however, and not just health management, respecting the personal welfare of those around me or how to deal with the falling sky.
I’m taking this hand washing week more figuratively, rather than in the intended common-sense approach. Granted, as basic as it sounds and as silly as it may seem to have to celebrate a week of reminding us about something we’ve heard since we can remember, there are many people who don’t fully realize how important it is to do it. So, here’s my shout out –reflect on the many things you touch during your day and consider managing how much nasty stuff you pick up and spread to yourself (and others.)
This need to reflect on the picking up and spreading of unwanted ‘residue’ has me thinking about issues, challenges, inconveniences and misunderstandings that I know I’m harboring within my self and it is affecting my overall health. First off, there is a pending doom lurking to strike in January, when all the yakking about New Year’s Resolutions begin. There is the usual laughable budget to work with this year ~ the worst so far. There is the holiday avoidance dance…sidestepping the real issue, problem or hurt that is politely kept silent, yet remains deadly to the relationships it infects for yet another year. There is the reflection on the past year and reviewing of the “to do” or “wish” lists that were written last January. Or, the revised business plans that suggest promise and opportunity…that are still getting the kinks worked out, due to a rougher road than originally anticipated. Then, there is the realization, at least for me, that my oldest turns 18 years old in January, is finalizing her plans for college and is still five years old in my mind, no matter how much she proves to me otherwise.
As I head into what December represents for me this year, I can’t help but just want to wash my hands of all of it. I feel like I have dug myself into a hole so deep and full of foam squares that, with even the slightest movement I make to get out, sends me right back in with a few more projects added to my list of things to dread. I can’t seem to quiet my mind in coming up with more ideas long enough to see some progress on the many others half-baked. I see the promise and opportunity of where I want to be, but it’s the road and energy required of me in getting there that gets lost in an immobilizing fog.
This year, it will be primarily a homemade gift-giving season and I’ m excited about it, despite all the time and energy it will be taking from me tackling my ugly to-do list. However, just as this week’s message about hand washing accentuates “empowering individuals to educate and help protect”, I recognize that I am going to have to do a little of the empowering with myself in order to make this an emotionally and professionally healthier season, because that is really what I want most for Christmas.
I’m offering up a list of things that I am going to do to wash my hands of unwanted debris in order to accomplish as many of those goals I set for 2009 as I can, before 2010 arrives. I will follow these guidelines in order to cleanse the potentially toxic or virally- threatening obstacles that seem to be in my way of making it to January 1st, 2010 in a much better place than I am today.
This December, …
I will cleanse the need for perfection.
I will blow any unhelpful or demeaning internal comments about myself into a tissue and toss it away, followed by a cleansing “Gesundheit!”
I will recognize how many things, people and efforts I touch upon throughout my day and treat each one with more honor and respect (rather than fear or ambivalence.)
I will remember to make a strong dose of creative thinking or expression every day, preferably with chocolate.
I will keep on hand a smile, a sense of gratitude and a few laughs to share…just in case I need it.
I will rest my “shoulds” and worries frequently, so I don’t wear myself down.
And, most importantly, I will remind myself that, as the dramatist Tom Stoppard once wrote:
“A healthy attitude is contagious, but don’t wait to catch it from others. Be a carrier.”
