The holidays are upon us. It’s supposed to be “the most wonderful time of the year,” but it can feel like the most stressful.
Between deciding which events to attend, purchasing gifts, and wanting to make holiday memories extra special, it can push you right over the edge.
Our to-do lists get extra long during this time of year. We think about everyone else, and we forget to put ourselves on the list.
We feel we “should” or “need to” do certain things because it’s the holidays, tradition, etc.
If I’ve learned anything over the last 21 months, it’s just because we used to do it one way doesn’t mean we have to keep doing it the same way.
So this year, I invite you to try something different by putting yourself at the top of your holiday list! I don’t mean purchasing lavish gifts and treats (although if you want to, you certainly can). I have in mind being intentional about how you want to celebrate and spend your precious time.
Please close your eyes, take a few slow deep breaths, and feel into what you truly want. These are likely the activities and traditions that bring you joy. You know the answer. You only require the space to let it rise to your consciousness.
What’s harder is identifying what you do purely out of obligation or habit. You’ll recognize those things because you will not light up when you think about them. It won’t feel like a full-hearted yes.
Every Christmas Eve, I get together with my sister and our best childhood friends. We’ve been doing this for over twenty years. This tradition makes me so happy and brings a smile to my face. On the flip side, a few years ago, I stopped sending holiday cards. For me, it was so much work, and I realized I was doing it for other people and not for myself.
Rather than continuing to believe you must do it all, taking an honest inventory of what you value most can be the greatest gift.
If you’re looking to give yourself the gift of support in 2022, I’m going to be opening limited spaces in my 2022 coaching program soon. Click the link below to get on the list.