We’re nearing the end of December, in full blown Holiday time, about to round the corner into a New Year, and this can feel like the busiest of the busy seasons. (though I’m sure we can all think of examples where we’ve found ourselves – maybe even overwhelmingly – busy at many times throughout the year, depending on the year, month, day…)
There can be many reasons (our schedule, the weather, change in routine, change in our energy level or mood, etc. etc) that we get away from the little practices that bring us peace, joy, or even that we simply know are good for us:*
- Being outside
- Exercising our body in ways we like, or at least know are good for us
- A good stretch
- Quality time with a pet, loved one, favorite house plant, etc.
- Getting to sleep at a better hour
- Healthier meals or trying to plan ahead for mindful, enjoyable eating
- An easy, pleasant conversation with a dear friend or loved one
- Delicious, recharging alone time with a book, nap, or maybe just you!
- Meditation or a calming breathing exercise you like
*these are only a few possible examples, and when I first wrote this list, I discovered I wanted to type: “Taking time for” each one of those items.
Sometimes when we get busy, it feels like we have to Take time, really carve out time for some goodness, just when it feels like time is the main thing we don’t have enough of.
The reality is that maybe, in a busy season, you aren’t able to find say, an hour for your practice(s)… but what about 20, or 10, or 5 minutes? It’s not nothing 🙂
Sometimes the holiday season can feel like an out-of-control roller coaster into the New Year and we are just hanging on for dear life. Suddenly we feel like we’ll have to wait till the dust settles some time into the New Year to get back to taking care of ourselves.
What if you could reclaim that, at any moment? (You Already Can)
You are never a foregone conclusion.
If we make even a small nourishing thing a priority, it can help us show up more fully in all the ways we want to show up in our lives.
This doesn’t have to cost a thing (self-care doesn’t need to be costly).
What if we stopped thinking of activities that recharge you as something that “Takes” time from your day (and your to-do list)?
What if instead, anything that recharges or restores or nourishes you is something you Make time for, something that Enhances your day?
Maybe it helps you prioritize, and notice anything on your to-do list that doesn’t actually serve you or anyone you are trying to serve in your work or daily life.
Is there something you set aside for the busy season that you know is good for you and you miss? What if you enjoy even a 2 or 5 minute version? (you might even mention it to someone you’re spending this busy season with, and maybe they want to join you!)
And yes, after that practice, you might be jumping right back into the fray of busy-ness… but imagine how it would feel meeting that hectic-ness with versus without that time to recharge.
What would it look like to spend just 2 minutes on something that brings you a little more calm, peace, joy, maybe feeling simply ok as you are?
(if you have more time than, that – awesome!)
That’s my wish for you this season (any season).
It’s never too late to come home to even a bite-sized piece of that favorite Practice – whatever makes you feel at Home in Yourself.
If you wanted to start with a Breathing and Noticing exercise, feel free to read here.
She doesn’t have a demanding schedule, but she is really good at finding joy or calm in a given moment.
Making time with her is a go-to mini-practice of mine when I need it.
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