The Art of Grit

The holiday season is often portrayed as a time of joy and togetherness, filled with warm lights, festive gatherings, and the magic of giving. But for many of us, it can also become a whirlwind of stress—filled with endless to-do lists, financial pressures, and the emotional complexity of family dynamics.

I’ve felt it too—the weight of trying to make everything perfect, the crowded stores, the never-ending noise. The holiday cheer can sometimes feel like an expectation rather than an experience. But over time, I’ve discovered a simple truth that has reshaped my approach to this busy season: “The best way to overcome your own stress is to help others overcome theirs.” This wisdom from Dada Vaswani has become my guiding light during the holidays.

One tradition that has helped me find peace is participating in gohoshi at our temple, which means giving oneself in service to others. During the holidays, temple visitations increase significantly, and the act of helping to clean and prepare the space feels deeply meaningful. There’s something profoundly grounding about this practice—polishing floors, tidying sacred spaces, and ensuring the temple feels welcoming for others. As I immerse myself in these acts of service, my own worries quiet down, replaced by a sense of connection and purpose.

Now, this principle shapes how I navigate the season. Whether it’s through temple service, donating to a cause, sharing a listening ear with a friend, or simply being present for those around me, I’ve found that acts of compassion have a way of grounding me in the true spirit of the holidays.

This year, I’m setting an intention to carry this lesson forward. I’ll reflect on my own stress and actively seek ways to bring joy to others—however small those acts may seem. And I’d like to invite you to join me. Let’s make this holiday season not about the hustle, but about spreading peace, love, and connection.

In helping others, we might just discover the calm and fulfillment we’ve been searching for all along.