Wouldn’t you love and isn’t it time to experience the holidays as I would imagine they were originally intended to be: peaceful?

I have heard from clients, friends and witnessed first-hand the stress, chaos and overwhelm of the holidays. As some chalk it up as part of the season, I can’t help but imagine and offer an alternative. Stress can lead to burn out, illness (yes, even the average cold), bitterness, frustration and annoyance of the whole festive occasion. We also can’t forget the continued heaviness of the world-wide pandemic, social injustice, climate crisis and darkness that add to our concern, attention and pressure. Let’s look at ways to incorporate less stress and tethering to a full cup this season.

And before we do that, know that a full cup indicates you handle what comes your way and be present to your life. Here we go:

• Start each day with peace or joy or both: Engage in a simple activity that ignites you for your day. (Check out last December’s Blog for Ritual Ideas. Free Refill: Ritual – A Stepping Stone – Mama Needs a Refill ) Whether it is lighting a candle or gazing at a Christmas tree, sipping tea in the dark, reading poetry, practicing three yoga poses, journaling or pulling an Anchor Card (Check Out my Get Anchored Series written in May of 2019, consisting of three separate blogs, Free Refill: Get Anchored – Part One – Mama Needs a Refill, Free Refill: Get Anchored — Part Two – Mama Needs a Refill, Free Refill: Get Anchored — Part Three – Mama Needs a Refill )—create a moment that delights your spirit.

 

• Take Inventory: How do you want to feel this holiday season? Eliminate the activities that do not nourish and add the ones that do. (I send holiday cards every other year, this is my year off—yay, more time for other things.) Yes, this may mean disappointing others—TBH (to be honest), this is far better than carrying the humbug energy of doing the thing you don’t want to do, they will feel that more.

 

• Practice Kindness. Be in word, energy, and action how you would want to be treated by others. This may mean asking and not assuming what someone needs. In fact, that is the biggest kindness of all, asking another what they need from you.

 

• Let go of the small stuff. Is the perfect gift that is sold out really what that loved one in your life needs most? Notice where you put your energy. Choose wisely.

 

As many of you know, I have created a 70-word mindfulness tool that I create weekly and monthly videos for as we pull an Anchored word and get centered and grounded (Get Anchored – Mama Needs a Refill). This month I am taking a break from the weekly ritual so that I can be more present to what else needs my attention, honoring and energy. Taking a break from what is expected of you is like spring cleaning, getting the Inn ready for a visitor. What will you consider taking a break from so that you can hold a full cup and actually taste what’s in it this season?

Cheers, Jenny