Good Morning! 

No matter your religious or non-religious beliefs, this time of year is generally busy for most people. There are parties, family gatherings, holidays to celebrate … and so many things to plan for. 

If you’re like most people I know, and I include myself in this some years, this time of year often equals stress! 

This time of year, much like summer, involves a lot of requests for your time and energy. Between family, friends, and work, how many parties or event requests do you usually need to respond to? This is typically a time of year when people say yes more than no, and by the time New Year rolls around, you are beyond drained. 

This year, for your sake, I request that you stop before accepting any invitation. 

Connect to your present moment. 

Breathe. In and out. Slowly, deeply. Until you feel calm and connected. 

How are you feeling right now? What is going on within you? 

Do you want to say yes to plans? 

Here’s the thing— it’s one hundred percent okay if you want to say no. Saying no is a skill most people struggle with because too many of us were taught to say yes to avoid disappointing others. Does any of that sound familiar? 

To find healing and to live a healthier, happier life for ourselves we all need to spend more time in the present moment. We must be aware of how we are feeling and what is going on with us. Are you nearing burnout mode? Are you overwhelmed? Stressed? Anxious? Mad? Sad? Happy? Rested? Exhausted? If you’re full of holiday cheer, that’s great! If you’re not, try something different this year. 

Too many people are borrowing time with a plan to deal with it later. To prioritize self-care later. To make positive changes in their lives … later. 

What if later never comes? While I don’t believe it is healthy to worry about death, the reality is that we don’t know how much of our lives we have left. Each day we wake up is a gift, and each day we have in this beautiful life is a gift. I cannot stress how critical it is that we all start to live more in the present moment. This is how we get the most out of our lives.  

During this traditionally busy season, please hit pause before you give more time away. Check-in with yourself. Start with some deep breaths, and ask yourself how you are doing. What do you really need? Do you need time for self-care? Then stop packing your weekends and evenings. If you are in desperate need of some downtime, say no to a few holiday parties and family gatherings. Or if you feel like you have to go, only go for a little bit. And I do mean a little bit.

Stop saying yes because you think you have to, out of obligation, or because you worry what other people will think of what you decide to do with that time instead. It does not matter what other people think. What matters is how you feel. It matters what you need, and it is beyond acceptable to do what is right for you. 

So, before you say yes, pause. Breathe. Check-in with yourself. 

Make sure the yes is a genuine yes.

If it’s not, make a different call. 

Prioritize self-care and peace of mind, now and always, but especially this time of year. 

You’ve got this! 

Big Hugs! 

Robin