Choosing our Priorities as We Enter the Holiday Season

Happy holidays!

The holiday season has begun! We see it all around us with the holiday decorations and Black Friday sales. Hopefully, the holidays will move forward more smoothly and cheerfully (albeit quickly!) as Mercury in retrograde came to an end yesterday. You may notice a sense of relief. As we feel lighter, we can choose to focus more on family, friends, sharing, and the chaos the holidays bring!

Chaos can be overwhelming and it can also be fun if we are feeling stable in body and mind. The remainder of 2019 can be a time of calm and connection if we allow ourselves to create that intention. The holidays can include time to take care of ourselves and those we treasure. It can be a time to share more than physical gifts, gifts of listening and laughter, and gifts of our presence and understanding. We can take time for eye contact and smiles, for self as much as for others.

Time is so precious. And we all know, the older we get the faster time travels. How we choose to spend time is key to how our life evolves. I say this every year: How we end the year is also how we begin the next year. The last six weeks of this year, (Yes 6 Weeks!) set the stage for the following year, the entire year. November and December are that important. This is a vital time to take stock with intention, and to strive to live with healthy alignment of body and soul. It is also a time to accept and work with the changes that are here, and the changes that are coming. Change arrives whether we invite it or not. We can learn to balance being grounded while allowing the flow.

We can learn to stay grounded amidst chaos. We can learn to live and love with more intention as well. If you will, allow yourself to notice what you are like in the morning, when you first see your reflection. What about your first interaction with another human for the day? What are your feelings and thoughts? What expression is on your face? When feeling stressed, what tools do you use to provide relief so you can relax? What do you look forward to each day? Over the next few days, begin to notice what a typical day is like for you both internally and externally.

This time of year, imagine how we would feel if we spent more time taking care of our body, our emotions, and our spirit. Perhaps we could spend more time in quiet, listening to our inner voice; try daily meditation and soothing music. Imagine if we dedicated thirty minutes a week to something that feeds our soul, maybe being creative; time with good friends; walks in the woods or by water; time helping others. Imagine if we made kindness a practice, a goal to be kind to self and others throughout our days. If you are willing, take a moment now and imagine smiling more. What happens to you inside when you wear a smile on your face?

One way I am kind to myself is by incorporating Essential Oils into my daily practice. Each day I diffuse, use topically, and internally. EO’s support every cell of our bodies. I cannot imagine my life without them. Perhaps this year you could take the time to learn more about why they work and make them part of your daily routine. The holidays are a good time for warm scents along with a roaring fire. Perhaps try Orange, Nutmeg, Thieves, Pine, Christmas Spirit, Frankincense or Cinnamon Bark essential oils in your diffuser. The aromas are pleasing and support clean air in your surroundings. The scents may even bring in happy memories from the past.

November is an important time to pause and ask ourselves: what memories do I want to create this holiday season? What changes can I make to get there? November and December matter, not only do we have more time with those we love, also because these two months set the stage for the following year, 2020. These last two months lead up to how we finish our year, exhausted, or recharged, chaotic or clear. It is truly up to us. We cannot change others, but we can choose how we will live with the days we have, in kindness or in resentment. When we feel the resentment, we can choose to make a change and move back into kindness.

Thank you to all of you that have allowed me to walk with you on your beautiful journey of self-consciousness. Whether that is 19 years or one hour, I am always honored. I wish you a very happy holiday season, with much giving and receiving of Kindness, love, and service to self and to others.

Sending so much love and gratitude,

Meg