The best gift you can give yourself

‘Tis the season for rushing around trying to get those last-minute gifts purchased and take advantage of all the sales and then get them shipped on time.

And it doesn’t seem easier to shop online because so many websites are out of stock or are experiencing shipping delays.

Then you have to make sure you get your year-end projects done on time and do performance reviews and clean up all those loose ends so you can take a couple of days off to celebrate the holidays.

Plus – there are cookies to bake and gifts to wrap and meals to cook.

And instead of “over the river and through the woods” it’s pile into the SUV and drive to grandma’s house, then uncle carl’s condo and lastly your in-law’s place.

Whew!

Doesn’t sound like a ton of fun, does it.

And yet every year you do the same.

I know – I’ve done it as well. 

We’re believing all those commercials that show families bonding over the perfect meal or making the perfect cookies and wrapping the perfect gifts. 

It’s such a trap.

If your holidays don’t look like the ones on TV, don’t despair.

Perfection doesn’t exist in humans. 

Every family has their dysfunctions to some degree.

So instead of trying give everyone the perfect experience, why not give yourself something really special?

You deserve to be on your own gift list, right?

Give yourself the gift of time – time for yourself.

Look at your calendar and block an entire day – yes, you read that right.

This is you-time and you know you need it.

I remember my own realization a few years ago when I was using more “strive and drive” masculine energy. I had an MRI and thought that 20 minutes laying in a tube with headphones listening to music to drown out the loud banging noises of the scan counted toward “me-time”.

I knew right there something had to change.

Oh, I know what your brain will tell you: “An entire day! I can’t do that.”

Oh yes you can, and you must.

Schedule a spa day: massage, facial, seaweed wrap, pedicure – whatever sounds good to you. 

Stay off your phone/computer.

Take a yoga class, then grab an herbal tea and sit and sip it, noticing the nuances and warmth as you swallow.

Stay off your phone/computer.

Go to an early matinee and eat the popcorn you never allow yourself to get. 

Stay off your phone/computer.

Be like a cat – take a nap. They really know how to do it right.

Stay off your phone/computer.

Nourish your body with delicious nutritious food that you pick up from a nearby whole foods restaurant and savor every bite.

Did I mention stay off your phone/computer? 

Taking this time of rest and relaxation is necessary for you to be able to do everything you want to in 2022.

Taking this time will replenish your soul.

Creating this for yourself will help you greet the new year with a renewed spirit and energy.

I’ll be doing the same and I’m so looking forward to spending some quality time with someone I love – me.

You can do the same.

I believe in you.

Barbara

P.S. You know you’re burning the candle at both ends, but don’t see a way out. I’ve got you. Schedule a Discovery Call with me today and let’s talk about how partnering with a coach can replace “strive and drive” with focus and flow. Yeah, that feels much better.

P.P.S. I’ve extended my Black Friday offer when you decide to coach with me. Pay in 2021. Grow in 2022. It’s the best way to ensure this year’s pricing, enjoy your holidays, and know you’ve invested in the best – you!