“I know reindeer can’t fly”
My eight-year-old son keeps saying, "I know your parents are Santa." When I ask him to tell me more, he says, with some exasperation: "I know reindeer can't fly. I know Santa can't fit down the chimney." He repeats this every night before bed. He even told my husband he's going to set up a video camera capturing us leaving his gifts, but he thinks we'll erase it while he's sleeping. Mind you, he has no access to any sort of camera, but you can't blame a kid for trying.
I share this not to lament that it's likely his last Christmas "believing." (Although trust me, I'm doing plenty of that!) I share it because his comments are actually in tune with something that's been top of mind as I reflect on 2024: trusting your gut.
He knows something doesn't add up and is insistent about it. I've tried not to question him or share my thoughts on whether the jolly and elderly Kris Kringle can shimmy down chimneys worldwide or if reindeer can indeed power a sleigh. Why? I want him to always be able to trust his gut, especially in situations where someone is trying to convince him to the contrary.
So here are the two questions I'm reflecting on:
Did I trust my gut? Yes, I realized that I've had to rely on instinct this year, both personally and professionally. I entered 2024 tackling some health issues that only gut feelings could explain and persistence could solve. At the same time, I was writing and editing a book for the first time. I lacked experience and know how, so many large and small decisions were made based on "feeling." As someone who loves facts, research, and information, I'm proud of stepping outside of my comfort zone and allowing myself to grow.
Did I listen to my gut? Well... mostly. This is a different question entirely! Because sure, I "heard" what it was saying, but I also ignored some gut whispers. There were times when I planned an impossibly efficient workday or agreed to take on additional volunteer work and my gut said, "You're setting yourself up for failure" or "Not now," but I didn't listen. Why not? Probably perfectionism and people pleasing. So, I'll add that to my list of areas to grown on in 2025. After all, it's about progress not perfection.
How about you? Did you trust your gut this year? Did you listen to it? How will you use your gut in 2025?
P.S. Despite all the skepticism about Santa, each morning my son excitedly looks for the Elf on the Shelf and has never questioned how the Elf leaves the house every night, flies back and forth to the North Pole to tell Santa about his behavior, gets back in the house, and finds a new place to land. Go figure. After all, part of trusting your gut requires you to "believe"!
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