Every year for as long as I can remember, we have packed what feels like half a year in to a 6 week sprint. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s Day, it feels like there is non-stop activity. Talk about being out of breath!!! One of my reflections was on how exhausted I felt at the end of the year. It is counter intuitive. Any other time, we would be resting up and pacing ourselves to start something new. Think about it. When people start a new job, move or even land a new contract, there is typically rest and time to prepare before we begin.
The close out of the end of the year coupled with the buzz of the holidays can keep the adrenaline flowing, but is that really healthy for us in the long term? In addition, the holidays are pretty stressful for most people and are packed with emotions. Who will host dinner? Who will and won’t be present? Grieving family members who have passed on and strained relationships with those who are here mark another level of emotional strain. As I reflected on all of this with my expanded perspective as the leader of the healing crusade, I felt that there had to be something we could do to shift the experiences this year.
“What if we ensured that we were at the center of our own universe during the holidays?”
That question led to our current challenge called “The Holiday Hustle.” For 4 weeks, our focus is on keeping ourselves at the center of our focus, so that we make decisions that honor ourselves first. Each week focuses on a different aspect of self and we practice various ways to incorporate self-care practices into our daily routine. We have added tools to our toolbelt to help us sustain energy and focus through the season. Our commitment to hold ourselves as the center of our universe helps us remember that we have choice and that we do not have to do anything that dishonors the truth of who we are. Cheers to being genuinely joyful and a more refreshed as we kick off a new year in a few weeks!
