December Gifts to YOURSELF: Week 4 Tip - Live in the Moment

IndividualsSelf-CareMindfulness & Meditation

Dec 23

This week is positively bursting at the seams with holidays: Hanukkah, Christmas and Kwanzaa all in a row and we’re experiencing ALL OF THE FEELS. Isn’t it funny how we can go from feeling joyful and content one moment to utterly frustrated the next? And sadly for some, this time of year is THE HARDEST. Experiencing the holidays without a loved one who has passed on or from a far distance from family can make it difficult (or impossible) to celebrate.

This week, I encourage you to live in the moment.

And in order to do so, I’m using the mindfulness tip from week 1 as our foundation:

Reflect and remember your WHY.

When you find yourself feeling frustrated, take a moment to reflect on WHY you are feeling this way.

Are you comparing this moment to one of your most favorite memories from the past?
Are you disappointed this moment isn’t living up to the image in your head of the idyllic holiday?

Guess what my friends, the comparing game is an impossible one to win.

So forget the past and the Disney-like image you’ve conjured up in your head so you can experience right now for what it is. Here are some ways you can live in the moment:

Exhale (remember that breathing technique from last week???)
Notice the blessings - especially the small ones!
Remember WHY you decided to do what you’re doing
Keep in mind this moment of frustration/disappointment/feeling overwhelmed, etc., won’t last forever. It’ll pass with time so don’t get stuck on it.

I should note: I’m not saying you should forget the Disney-like image because life can never be that amazing. It can be. And guess what - for many of us, IT ALREADY IS. We just need to allow ourselves to SEE the blessings of right now.

(And another note: if you are finding it hard to notice the blessings or you realize you’re in a situation that doesn’t serve you, perhaps use this as a catalyst to create the change you want for yourself!)

And last - if you come in contact with someone who seems crabby or unaffected by the holiday joy, remember this - we have no idea what is in someone else’s heart. Some people are experiencing the WORST time of their lives this week navigating the holidays without one of their beloved family members or they could be preparing to say goodbye as we speak. Unfortunately this week is not so joyful for everyone so if you’re fortunate to have some days off from work to spend the holidays with family and friends, save the criticism and offer some grace to those who need it. A little goes a long way and it’s free and easy.