Art is a fabulous self-nurture tool. I am not particularly talented but had a blast taking lessons. I found it to be very therapeutic.

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It’s the holidays. We are smack dab in the middle of the most wonderful time of the year, right? Hmm, if it’s so wonderful then why are so many stressed to the max and wishing for it all to be over as soon as possible?

No doubt, as women, the holidays put many extra demands on our already maxed out life. We can become anxious, angry, bitter, resentful, scared, worried, exhausted, (fill in the blank) to the point that we end up lashing out to those we love and care about the most. Then we get to add to that wonderful list of feelings guilt and shame to name a few. What fun!

Any amens out there?? Ok, it’s time to get off this stress filled ride and hop on the train leading to a more joy filled holiday — even with Christmas just 9 days away.

“The Joy In Christmas” is a workshop I facilitate to help women discover what it is that’s most important to them in order to experience a more joy filled Christmas. The following are a few of the questions we discuss:

1. What is it that you are celebrating?
2. What do you really want out of Christmas?
3. What is the difference between your fantasy Christmas and your reality Christmas?
4. What one thing from your fantasy Christmas is feasible to do? Let go of the rest.
5. How can you live in the present in order to enjoy all the special things about this time of year?

Basically it’s about taking inventory of your holiday celebration. Know where you are so you know where you need/want to go. Then let go of all the shoulda, coulda, woulda’s that plague us and weigh us down. Just let it all go!

Next, it’s vitally important that you take care of yourself so that you can give to those in your life. You must take the time to eat well, get a little exercise, and rest. I know there are lots of things on your to-do list but you will get more done if you’re rested and feeling good about yourself. Take a walk, read a book, take a candle-lit bubble bath, etc. – whatever you enjoy doing, do it even if it’s just for 15 minutes.

Celebrating Christmas takes a little different form for all of us. It’s the time of year to take a break from the mundane and enjoy all the beautiful sites, sounds, and smells. This year let it be different. Take each day as it comes with the commitment of focusing on and creating love and joy. Remember, what you think about comes about.