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No matter how hard we try to make it less so, the holiday season always seems to end up being stressful, whether because of overloaded schedules, expectations or pressures that everything be Pinterest perfect.
With that in mind I wanted to share five gifts that I hope you will try to give yourself this holiday season.
1. Time
I know it seems impossible to give yourself more time this time of year, but it’s to important to make a little room for yourself and your passions, especially when you’re busy.
You need a place to rest and a thing to do that is just for you, whether that thing is doing a craft, meditating, reading a fun book or writing in your journal.
2. Space
With all the holiday parties and family gatherings, it’s even more important than normal to work in some alone time. Just being quiet with yourself for a little while, preferably doing nothing, can be a great way to recuperate form being out there too much, especially if you’re introverted like I am.
3. Patience
We should all strive to be more patient with and forgiving of ourselves all the time, but particularly in this season of increase expectations we really need to cut ourselves some major slack.
We won’t be able to do everything we want to do in the available time, and we need to be able to see that not as a personal failing but as a case of improper expectations.
4. Rest
Winter is a season made for rest, for slowing down, snuggling up and being at home. That’s easier said than done when you find your calendar full of obligations.
Decide which ones are really important to you, let other go and make sure you’re home with no agenda a few nights every week.
5. Comfort and Joy
Remember that this is supposed to be a happy, fun time of year. If the stress of expectations is getting to you or you feel like you’re never going to be able to get it all done, maybe it’s time to tone down your plans. What is really important to you ans your family? Where can you let things go or develop new traditions that cause less stress and strain?
I hope that you have a truly wonderful holiday season full of love, light, creativity and peace.
If you have any ideas about how to give yourself these gifts or other gifts you need to give yourself this year, I’d love to hear them!