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Balanced Moms
A bi-monthly newsletter designed to help you create the balanced, meaningful, and enjoyable life you deserve.
Holiday Peace
November, 2006
With the holidays approaching, it’s easy to settle into
auto-pilot and lose yourself in the “to-do” lists.
Rather than deplete your self, take time to reconnect
with your priorities and stay mindful of what’s truly
important. Here are some tips to help you stay
centered and enjoy the holidays:
- Keep it simple. Limit your decorations.
If you are hosting, cater part of the meal or ask
others to contribute. Don’t be a martyr or a
perfectionist. Settle for a more relaxed, enjoyable
holiday instead.
- Let your values guide you in giving. Do
your children really need fifteen gifts in December?
What are they learning when they are overindulged?
Would they benefit from giving to others who are less
fortunate, rather than just receiving? Answer these
questions and then make sure your actions reflect
these values.
- Reconsider holiday cards. Since these
take a lot of time and energy, think through your
options: send them every other year, send only to
out-of-town friends, or send them for Valentine’s
Day, when life isn’t so hectic.
- Just say no!
If you want to enjoy the holiday season, you must be
able to say no. Take at least 24 hours to answer
any request. If it isn’t a high priority, and doesn’t
contribute to a healthy balance, say no!
- Take excellent care of yourself.
In order to handle some of the inevitable stress of
the holidays (remember the malls?), you must take
excellent care of yourself. Exercise regularly, make
time for friends and fun, and eat well. Rather than
wilting and complaining- you’ll be energized and
enjoying your days!
- Keep quiet in your days. Protect at least
30 minutes of quiet every day. Breathe deeply, rest,
do some yoga, write in a journal. Do what feels right
to relax and unwind. Some quiet time is essential for
inner peace and well-being.
- Make time for playing Have some fun
with your kids. Go see a show, play some games,
enjoy the outdoors, etc. Those are the
times they’ll remember!
Resist the tendency to be frantic during the
holidays. Simplify, live your values, take great care
of
yourself and have some fun. As a result, you’ll
celebrate the holidays as the person you want to be -
relaxed, happy and energized!
Bria Simpson, MA
Life Coach and Author
Contact me for
a complimentary consultation to learn if
coaching is right for you. If you think a friend might
enjoy my newsletters, please forward this to them so
they can subscribe on the link below.
Visit
http://www.briacoach.com to learn more about
my
coaching services and my new book,
The Balanced Mom Raising Your Kids Without
Losing Yourself. The book is also available
on Amazon.com and in all major bookstores.
© 2006 by Bria Simpson
All rights and media reserved.
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