Let's Take Time for Ourselves!

As this busy holiday season gets under way, it's all too easy to find ourselves getting lost in the shuffle. We rush from one thing to another, never stopping to take a most-needed time out! Before we know it, we're feeling used-up. Like Mr. Grinch, we're ready to say Bah! Humbug! In order to prevent this from happening, we need to act like we did when we were babies and pay close attention to our own internal signals. When we're tired, we absolutely must rest. When we're hungry, we need to stop and eat. When we need comfort, we need to open our mouths and ask for it. Let's make this holiday season one that replenishes our spirits, minds, and bodies.

Intention for Today - Coach!

COACH

The dictionary tells us that to 'coach' is to instruct and supervise.  When we get in the practice of being a 'coach' to ourselves, we take on a new attitude.  A good coach supports, teaches, oversees, and leads by example.  Let's intend to give ourselves these gifts for today.  We can be keen observers of our own behaviors, support ourselves in making adjustments when things aren't working just right, and use encouragement rather than self-criticism when we find areas for improvement.  When in doubt, let's ask "What would a great coach say about this?"

Intention for Today - Contribute!

CONTRIBUTE

What would the world be like if every day we woke up intending to contribute something of value to the day?  When we intend to make a difference by contributing, we look for ways of offering something to the people in our lives and the world around us. 

 Here are a few ways to get started.

Contribute by . . .

• listening to someone who needs to be heard
  
• volunteering at a local soup kitchen
  
• giving hugs
  
• picking up random litter
  
• writing an article
  
• tutoring a struggling student
  
• paying someone's toll
  
• waiting patiently
  
• holding back on judgments
  
• giving compliments freely
  
• encouraging someone else . . .

What else can you add to the list?

Intention for Today - Luxuriate!

To 'luxuriate', the dictionary tells us, is to indulge with unrestrained delight and freedom. When we create the intention of luxuriating in the many delights that surround us, we fill our days with a multitude of blessings. Whether it's an hour with a great book, a walk in the park, a dinner party with friends, cuddle time with our favorite pet, or the soft fragrance of fresh laundry, we can learn to luxuriate in the sights, smells, sounds, and sensations of our wonderful environment. Each day then becomes another opportunity to replenish ourselves.

Intention for Today - Savor!

SAVOR

The dictionary reminds us that to "savor" is to take delight in. Today, let's intend to savor each and every moment. In order to do so, we have to "show up" and pay attention to the people and things around us, our own bodily sensations, our thoughts, the food we eat, the music we listen to, the smells that surround us, and our delightful sense of touch.

Smile - It doesn't cost a thing.

Do you want an easy way to make yourself feel better and brighten someone else's day at the same time?  It's easy, affordable, and fun.  Just remind yourself to smile as you go through your day.  Be aware of the number of people you come into contact with who seem to place a premium price on their own smiles.  Is it that they are in a bad mood, or is it just that they are unaware of what their faces are doing?  Sometimes we are oblivious to the world around us as we go through our days.  We fail to notice the people passing by, and as a result, we forget to make direct eye contact and smile.  Try it for a day, a week, a month, a year, and see what happens!

Say No More Often!

Do you always find yourself doing things you'd rather not do, just to be NICE?  Are you afraid to disappoint others?  If so, it's time to practice saying "No" a bit more often.  It's hard at first, but with practice you can become an expert.  Start by creating the intention of saying no to requests for your time, help, attention, money, knowledge, skill, etc. a minimum of once per day.  When that feels comfortable, add an extra negative response for good measure.  You'll begin to notice that the sky does not fall down upon you just because you ended up disappointing someone besides yourself for once.  Use the time and energy you gain to indulge yourself.  You deserve it!

When you consider your own needs as much as the needs of others, you begin to set clear limits. You find yourself giving of your time/energy because you want to, instead of from a sense of obligation.  Ultimately, everyone benefits!

Say No More Often!

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Stress Relief Meets Biofeedback!

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