Self-care Essentials for the Holiday Season
The first Sunday of December found me with a whopping head cold. Today, although a bit better, I’m so sneezy, achy and drippy that I could be a commercial for an over-the-counter medicine.Yesterday I could do little more than crawl from the bed to the chair and back again. I was bummed because I couldn’t go to the second of my first-ever yoga classes, yet grateful that it was the weekend which meant no time clock.
I spent my sick day doing things that nurtured me, like napping and reading. I found comfort in hot drinks, hot soup, hot medicine, soft tissues and tender loving care.
There was plenty of time to be present to my thoughts. Here are a couple: 1) It has been nearly two years since I had a severe cold (now there is something to be grateful for). 2) Lots and lots of people were out in the shopping trenches, slogging through the cold rain, buying out stores and depleting their bank accounts.
It occurred to me that some of those folks could use a little of the fire-and-hearth comfort I was feeling.
This is the most wonderful time of the year as well as the most self-depleting.
We sacrifice so much of our own needs in order to check tasks off our impossibly-long lists.
And we suffer. In the morning’s early hours, while lying awake trying to breathe, I noticed a friend’s post on Facebook that said she couldn’t sleep for thinking of all the things she had to do before Christmas.
With that in mind, I offer these five quotes in hopes that you find them a helpful reminder to go easy on yourself during this season of love. Please remember to love yourself too!
Please leave a comment about how you make self-care a priority while juggling all your obligations.
B Well & Light,
Beth
You, yourself, as much as anybody in the entire universe, deserve your love and affection. ~ Buddha
Your sacred space is where you can find yourself again and again. ~ Joseph Campbell
Make the most of yourself, for that is all there is of you. ~ Ralph Waldo Emerson
Defining myself, as opposed to being defined by others, is one of the most difficult challenges I face. ~ Carol Mosely-Braun
The thing that is really hard, and really amazing, is giving up on being perfect and beginning the work of becoming yourself. ~ Anna Quindlen
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About Beth Wilson
In July of 2009, I had an epiphany. For about a month prior, I was emotionally distraught, increasingly depressed and having serious thoughts of drinking again (after 18 years of sobriety).
I struggled to wrap my arms around what could possibly be wrong with me. I had all the trappings of a good life, one others would love to emulate--great job, dream house, traveling for a living, a life mate . . . the list goes on. Read more >>B Connected to B Here
Venture In the Wild!
Hi Beth,
I am sending you some healing energy to help you with your cold. The past 6 years I have really taken a minimalist approach to life, especially during Christmas time. I need to feel good in order to help anyone else on this planet.
I can feel your energy, Justin! I agree that self-care is essential prior to care of others. It’s sort of like when you’re on an airplane and the crew tells you to place the mask on yourself before you put one on your child. Thanks for your good vibes and Merry Christmas to you!
B Well & Healthy!
Hi Beth,
You’ve gone to Yoga – I love it! What did you think? Sometimes it feels awkward at first, but honestly it grows on you. I agree that Christmas can be very hectic if we let it. I try to keep things as simple and low key as possible. We all have more fun that way. Get well soon. Love the quotes.
Well, to be honest, Cathy, I’ve been sick ever since I went to that first session. Upper respiratory infection. Ugh. Does yoga have to be done in such a hot room? I love the poses and the energy but going from cold and rain outdoors into hot and humid indoors does a no-no to my sinuses. I welcome your thoughts because I know you are a yoga veteran!
B Well!
I’m with Justin on the minimalist approach. When my kids were growing up I went all out. Gazillions of lights and decorations everywhere, many from my childhood. It was a time of wonder and excitement. But in recent years, I realized I was doing all that because I thought I had to and not because I really wanted to anymore. The kids are grown and weren’t helping much, and I realized I just wasn’t having fun. So I told myself it was okay to stop. Last year and this year, I have just relaxed. No big agenda. The kids have permission to decorate as much as they want. I’ve run that race and it was great. Now I’m a retired Christmas over doer!
Way to go, Galen! I say it’s all about going with your heart and honoring your own sense of what feels right. Relaxing during the holidays: who knew it could be such fun?
B Well,
Beth