Don’t Forget Yourself This Holiday Season

The saying “It is better to give than to receive” is a universal truth. But we often forget that we can give back to ourselves, too. Around the holiday season, our schedules are busy with events and buying presents for others. Many times, we drain our own energy by feeling obligated to go to the parties and match gifts we receive. However, that’s not the true meaning of the season; this time of year, is all about giving back and spending time with our loved ones. Imagine being fully relaxed and in the moment of smelling our favorite cookies baking in the oven, listening to laughter and music and allowing time to fully settle into the sights, smells and sounds of this beautiful time of year.

Giving and receiving are two parts of the same cycle. This season let’s take time to evaluate how we give to others, ourselves and our community. Let’s vow to give ourselves gifts this year and move into next year with a sense of renewal and intentions for the best year ever.

Here’s some things you can do to give back to others and yourself this holiday season:

OTHERS
Take the advice of Leonardo da Vinci: “Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication.” Suggest that family and friends substitute hand written letters to each other instead of giving presents. This is a gift where we can take the opportunity to share our gratitude for those that mean the most.
Take time to truly connect at gatherings by spearheading a way to share success and gratitude stories as a group. Ask everyone to write down an accomplishment and area of appreciation on a piece of paper and put in a basket. Have each person pick one and read someone’s experience. Focusing on all the good will only bring more.

COMMUNITY
Give gifts to a child in need or donate to a local organization such as Toys for Tots or Cornerstones. Enlist friends and family to volunteer as a group in place of having a holiday party. Giving back together can create strong and lasting bonds.

OURSELVES

• Say no to one obligation to allow for free time to do whatever you please.
• Schedule a date of self-pampering. Do all the things you never have time for: read, watch a movie, take a bath, order take-out, cook dinner or sit by the fire. The idea is to recharge and relax.
• Determine what you can let go of from your past that is holding you back. Write it down and throw it in the fire to release.
• Evaluate travel plans to determine if there are any alternatives. For instance, do you drive three hours to visit with one side of the family, and then two hours another day to visit the other side of your family? Could you only make one of those trips? Schedule a visit for a later date when things are not so busy.
• Evaluate your daily routine. Are there things you could simplify next year, such as limiting the kid’s winter activities or hiring a cleaning service? Ask yourself if there are things you can delegate or minimize. Make a list. Writing it down allows you visualize all that you juggle.
• Practice gratitude, not complaining. Write, imagine and speak those elements about which you are truly grateful.
• Throw away the New Year’s resolutions and decide to bring awareness to your daily habits. What emotions are driving decisions? Ask yourself which ones you would like to change and which ones are positive. Commit to improving one at a time. Simple awareness can lead to better and easier choices.
• Hire a personal coach to help you create a crystal clear vision for “ultimate success” so you know exactly what you want, where you’re headed, and what you need to do to make it happen. Click here for a free session.

The more we take time to nurture that which we desire and take quality time for our personal needs, the more capacity we have to give back to others. Let’s make a decision to move forward with our best interests at heart. As Lao Tzu said:
“Those who value their own wellbeing equally with the rest of the world can be trusted with the world. Those who love their life as if it were the whole world will be trusted with all things under heaven.”

Originally published: https://www.poshseven.com/giving-receiving.html