HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Boy, the holidays sure do give me a strong case of the “feels.” With all the hectic energy of folks getting in their last minute shopping, extra traffic (and accidents 😬) and the overall energy of the year-end quickening, it’s no wonder I notice a sense of overwhelm creeping in. So while it’s tempting to join the ‘gloomy-thoughts’ bandwagon, I chose instead to exercise some willpower and stay put in my happy place.
1. Self-Care
As selfish as it may sound, my self-care practice is essential in keeping me grounded through the holiday festivities. Yoga, for example, has been instrumental in helping me find a way to slow down, breathe, and get present. Movement through dance has also been a great tool to help clear energy while cultivating endorphins.
2. Practice Gratitude
Another wonderful way I like to stay in the positive zone while immersed in the holiday hoopla is through a gratitude practice. Acknowledging even the simplest things in life can simultaneously change perspective and mood in the healthiest of ways. It could sound something like this…
- I’m grateful I have my health today
- I’m grateful that my body does so much for me
- I’m grateful for the warmth of the sun on my skin
- I’m grateful for this healthy meal
You get the gist of it. The cute cartoon pretty much nails it. : )
3. Superhero Shine
I also like to play a silly little game with myself that’s especially aligned with the spirit of the holiday season. It goes something like this; I image that it’s my superpower to shine contagious amounts of light and cheer (even if I get to fake it ‘til I make it.) Sure enough, it works~ and others pick up on it, mirroring it back to me and reflecting it onto others. It might sound a bit hoaky, but I’ll take happiness over hoaky any day.
There’s a popular saying going around these holidays. ‘May the force be with you.’ Well for these purposes, I like to say ‘the force IS you’.
