Sidestepping Tradition this Easter

Easter can drive you hopping mad!

Easter is a bit like Christmas in that we are ‘supposed to’ gift vast amounts of chocolate eggs, go to church on Easter Sunday and escape to our families usual Easter location.

‘Those’ Easter traditions just aren’t you anymore

But what if doing the same thing year in, year out like everyone else just feels like one big ball of pressure and stress? What if, you have discovered that chocolate actually gives you migraines, you’ve left the religion you were indoctrinated into as a child and the dynamics between your siblings makes the yearly Easter get together more stressful than fun?

I know these pressures and expectations well, having blindly followed along for most of my life too. 

Until the day I realised I was perpetuating these traditions out of fear of not fitting into society.

You see, traditions build society and as innocent children we get swept up in the magic and mystery of them, which then continues into adulthood, because that’s what you are supposed to do right??

But when you realise that something about these traditions just doesn’t sit with your values anymore, well now you have an exciting adventure of choice, opportunity and freedom ahead of you!

Here are a few suggestions for side-stepping the traditions that don’t resonate with you:

1. RESEARCH – Take a look at the traditions that your society celebrates, all the way back to the origins i.e. the ‘what, when, why, how and who’ of Christmas, Easter etc.

2. REFLECT – Ask yourself what parts of these traditions if any, are in alignment with your current values. Did you ever really believe in any of these things or did you just blindly accept them year after year because that’s what everyone else does?

3. CREATE – Next, jot down all the areas that are most valuable to you and your wellbeing. Begin to explore ways that you can create your own traditions with or without the inclusion of family members or close friends. (Here is a great ‘Creating Traditions‘ article I love that will help you.) 

For example, one of my newish personal traditions is to greet the sun and connect with the earth on a daily basis with intention and reverence.

Forge a new way

The Women’s Village is full of like-minded women sidestepping the norm and forging new territory together!

Which is why I love being a part of this nourishing community. Because when we make big changes like this that are sure to ruffle the feathers of our nearest and dearest, it’s vital we have the support of like-minded women who understand only too well! 

Plus we’d love to have you!

Big Love,

Sherree Maniks
Virtual Women’s Village Service Provider, Wardrobe Coach and Art Therapist