The holiday season,
A time of togetherness,
Joy,
And love,
Can also bring a mix of emotions – excitement,
Nostalgia,
Overwhelm,
Or even a longing for rest amidst the busyness.
Whether you are preparing for family gatherings,
Navigating traditions,
Or simply trying to find space for yourself during this time,
It's important to pause and reflect.
This is an opportunity to set your intentions for the season ahead and envision the version of yourself you want to bring to these moments.
So let's take this time to check in,
To center yourself,
And embrace a sense of calm and clarity as we step into this special yet often challenging time of year.
Does the thought of these coming months bring you joy,
Excitement,
Or maybe anxiousness,
Sadness,
Or even exhaustion at the thought of all that lies ahead?
Whatever you're feeling,
Allow it to be,
There's no right or wrong way to feel.
This is your time to check in with yourself and simply notice.
Start by taking a deep breath in together,
And let it out slowly.
Take another deep breath in,
Exhale it out,
Releasing any tension or worry that may be lingering.
Take one more deep,
Soothing breath in,
And exhale slowly as if blowing out a candle,
And gently close your eyes.
As you breathe,
I invite you to think about the upcoming season,
The holidays,
The travel,
The gathering of loved ones.
Picture what's to come,
The planning,
The prepping,
The cooking,
The cleaning,
The travel.
See the faces of family and friends entering your space,
Or perhaps you stepping out of your comfort zone to enter theirs.
Picture yourself doing your best to draw boundaries,
Leaving your predictable routine to navigate the unpredictable.
Take a moment to acknowledge the weight of expectations you may feel from others,
And the weight you might place on yourself.
Feel the quiet pull of wanting to do it all,
To be everything for everyone.
Take a deep inhale,
Breathing in the possibility of a new perspective.
Exhale slowly,
Letting go of anything that feels heavy.
Now invite in the image of the woman you wish to be during this season.
Who is she?
What does she embody?
Picture her vividly,
The partner,
The mother,
The daughter,
Sister,
The friend.
Or perhaps maybe she is simply a woman showing up for herself.
See her moving through these upcoming days with grace,
Her energy warm and calm.
Picture her experiencing joyful moments with loved ones,
Smiling,
Laughing,
Present.
See her navigating challenges with patience and ease,
Setting loving boundaries when needed.
Watch her move through moments that once felt overwhelming with a sense of lightness,
Grounded in her values.
Imagine the eyes of your loved ones,
Your partner,
Family,
Children,
Witnessing this version of you.
What do you want them to see?
What do you want them to remember?
If it's your partner,
A woman who brings calm and stays connected,
Looking for moments to come together amidst the noise.
Or a woman who listens deeply and shares her warmth with her loved ones.
Who moves with grace,
Patience,
And love,
Even in the busiest moments.
A woman who's welcoming,
With open arms,
A genuine smile,
And who shares moments of laughter and meaning.
They remember the way you showed up for them,
Not perfectly,
But wholeheartedly.
See their gratitude for the atmosphere you create,
The way your presence invites peace and care.
If you have children,
Imagine their little eyes remembering not stress or hurry,
But a mom who chose presence over perfection.
Whose love filled the room like the glow of a holiday candle.
Or maybe it's simply the steady,
Peaceful presence of a woman who brings calm and warmth wherever she goes.
Now think of one word,
A word that represents what you want to embody this season.
Peace,
Joy,
Grace,
Presence.
Whatever it is,
Let it rise to the surface and settle within you.
This word is your anchor,
A touchstone you can return to when life feels chaotic.
Before we close,
Breathe this in.
You are enough.
Your efforts are enough.
Your love is enough.
You are the heart of your family,
The heart of your own story.
When you're ready,
Take one last deep grounding breath in.
Exhale slowly and blink your eyes open.
Carry this vision with you into the season ahead,
Knowing you have everything you need to move through it with warmth,
Compassion,
And peace.
