“It’s the most wonderful time of the year…” 🎶 or is it?

For some of you the presents are wrapped, the lights are strung and the table is set.

Yet I know from my personal experience, as well as from what I’m hearing from my clients, that the festive season can be a mixed bag—fun, food and good cheer, alongside family drama, financial pressures and the realities of regular ole life

As cliché as it sounds, taking care of yourself now is more important than ever.

I know, I know…I don’t have time either. But it doesn't have to be a formal production, complete with candles, mala beads or a chorus of chanting monks.

Take just a moment, a pocket of time—no matter how small, and notice that you’re breathing.

That’s it. Notice that you’re breathing.

And when things get even crazier, and the to-do list even longer…notice that you’re breathing.

Sugared-up kids/grandkids fraying your very last nerve…notice that you’re breathing.

The puppy pulls over your Christmas tree, shattering Granny’s heirloom ornaments…notice that you’re breathing.

If the number on the scale creeps up from all of the partying…notice that you’re breathing.

When your sister-in-law drinks too much wine and announces that she’s always hated everyone in your family…notice that you’re breathing.

And while you come back to the simple rhythm of your breath, take that small pause to look for the many miracles of the season.

…the silence of a snowy morning

…a brilliant cardinal at the birdfeeder

…the excitement of a child listening for reindeer on the roof

…the joy of a simple handmade gift

…a warm hug

Notice that you’re breathing

Notice that you’re breathing

A small but powerful mantra that you can come back to time and time again…

Lots of love,

Lisa

“Even when there are a thousand things to do, cherish these unrushed moments. Make room in your heart for them. There will be many mountains to climb, but always make time to find the pastures where you can rest.” Morgan Harper Nichols