'Tis the Season for Self Love ❤️

You know, I was gonna post a "Healthy Thursday" article on digestion and how to be mindful during your Thanksgiving Day meal, but I couldn't push post. I mean, we have been bombarded with images, news stories, and all kinds of tips and tricks when it comes to making food choices on turkey day. So my post just felt redundant and hollow. I went to bed feeling dejected and not knowing what to post.

I woke up this morning with a few words on my heart I wanted to share. I want to talk a bit about a person who tends to be forgotten this time of year--yourself.

Through all of our endless to-dos and holiday gatherings, it is typical to end the season exhausted, depleted, and overcome with remorse (buyer's remorse or otherwise). What I'm describing is how I used to to end the holiday season every year--broke, bloated, exhausted, and unmotivated to make the next year any better. This year will be the first of many which will be quite different--and I couldn't be more excited.

This year, I've been diagnosed with chronic fatigue syndrome, which has prompted my whole outlook on the world to change. It's also forced me to change how and where I spend my energy. If I use too much, I'm down and out for at least a week. And if it's during a detoxification phase, well, I'm just down and out in general for as long as the phase lasts. I'm currently in the middle of round 2, so it's a struggle to even get out of the bed and function throughout the day. So this year won't be filled with late nights and early mornings trying to shop, buy, work, decorate, cook, wrap, party, watch, visit, eat, bake, swap, eat some more, etc. It's going to be much different. Here's 3 ways I'm gonna be spending the season loving myself:

1. ​Preparing Nourishing Meals--Despite feeling rather poopy right now during my detox, one thing has absolutely revolutionized the way my skin looks (way less acne breakouts!); my digestive system works (ummm I'm SUPER regular these days); and, how my body is shedding the Epstein Barr virus. What's this thing?? Eating so many fruits, lots of veggies, focusing on whole grains, beans, salads, and healthy fats. Meat right now is just not appealing, so I'm not eating any at the moment. I'm just focusing on colors and eating small meals throughout the day to keep my blood sugar steady. I have shared a few of my meals thus far on the blog and will continue to share as I get creative in the kitchen!
   
2. Connecting with Friends--I know due to my illness, traveling to visit my friends in the various places I've lived is out of the question. So, instead of a physical visit, I'll be visiting in spirit, through my words. I'm gonna be writing and reconnecting with them. Given my health, I've spent a lot of this year in bed and incommunicado. So, I want them to know how much they mean to me and how much I miss them. And what better way than a cute card saying hi? I can't wait to get started...so I will be needing your addresses!!
   
3. Enjoying the season--In the past, I've not able to take in the holiday movies, shows, and music I love (The Grinch, Charlie Brown, Hallmark movies, White Christmas, Holiday Specials, etc) because I'm out running around and being "too busy" for indulgences like those (it's exactly what I used to say to others when they asked if I watched xyz program). This year, I'm going to watch these shows, delight in these movies, and listen to the amazing songs we only get to hear during this season. I will drive to see the gorgeous lights and holiday displays. I will remember this season as one I spent on sharing moments, not buying gifts.
   

Simplifying feels so good. It lifts the weights of me being "perfect" during this time of year and getting it all done. I can't get it all done. I am only responsible for me. I am allowing this season of joy to actually be about joy, the kind you can't get in any store. 🌟

What about you? What things will you be doing this season to make sure you stay present and mindful in a world which tells us we have to do more, more, and more? I'd like to hear your thoughts!!