Welcome to the holiday season!
Every year, it seems to sneak up on us a bit earlier. The holidays can be a time to relax, enjoy your favorite foods, and spend quality time with your loved ones — or it can be stressful, exhausting, and overindulgent. The difference lies simply in your approach.
You could accept every party invitation, obsess over finding the perfect holiday gifts, and run yourself ragged — or maybe you could make time this holiday season to truly nurture yourself. That might involve paying more attention to your own needs (rest, exercise, healthy food), and slowing down enough to experience the quiet joy of this festive season.
Many of us have a long to-do list, but sometimes the most important things get left off the list: move your body, savor a quiet meal, enjoy a cup of tea, take time to slow down and feel gratitude for all of the blessings in your life. These moments deepen our connection with ourselves and those around us, giving us more reason to celebrate, and a richer experience of joy.
When we look back, it’s the simple moments that hold the most meaning in our lives. In those times, our mind has the space to be present and to embrace the joy that each moment brings. Often it’s in simple, meaningful traditions that we find the deepest connection to the joy of this season — baking our grandmother’s desserts, singing our favorite songs, or decorating our homes.
If a tradition ever becomes a burden, due to a change of lifestyle or time constraints, perhaps it’s time to let it go. It is never too late to create new traditions that align with the person you are today, and the goals that you have for yourself.
What new tradition can you begin, to nurture yourself this year? Is there anything you might want to let go of, to focus on your own needs, this season? Each year is a fresh opportunity to reinvent yourself and make a new commitment to your radiant health — mind, body and spirit. This time of year is the perfect time to reflect on what that means to you.