Are you putting yourself last?

Last Christmas morning was the first one in half a decade in which I didn't wake up feeling like I'd been run over by a truck. Over the years I had grown to dread the holiday season. Everyone around me was basking in the glow of the colorful lights, festive parties, child recitals, and favorite traditions while I was laser-focused on watching every morsel of food I put into my mouth and mustering any amount of energy I could to just get gifts under the tree.

There's something about the holiday season that seems to make living with chronic mystery illness even more of a struggle than it already is. Not only do many of us find ourselves wishing desperately that we could celebrate fully like we once did, but we also tend to cast ourselves aside in an effort to give what we feel socially compelled to give to everyone around us. 

We lose our sense of self when we most need to connect with her.

As we enter the frenzy of the last month of the year it's more important than ever to create time and space for ourselves. Our logical minds may want to take control, constantly reminding us that we have gifts to buy, events to attend, family meals to prep, year-end deadlines to meet, etc. We will likely be tempted to put everyone else's needs above our own.

I would like to offer the simple suggestion of checking in with your physical body throughout the busy days ahead. Just take a deep breath and allow yourself the luxury of 2 minutes of introspection when you notice things getting hectic, stressful or frenzied. Sensing your physical body and separating yourself from your thoughts for these brief moments will go a long way in leading you toward a place a peace and calm over time.

THIS WEEK: Are you inclined (like so many of my clients) to put your own needs aside in an effort to be who everyone else "expects" you to be during this last month of the year? Why don't you see if you can find the space to put yourself first, at least for a few minutes, every single day. Maybe this year you'll be better able to discover the joy of the holiday season in a way that you haven't in quite awhile.

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