The Answer Key

Truly embrace and enjoy the experience of the holidays by planning wisely, accounting for the unexpected as best you can, simplifying your to-do list, and making time to take care of yourself in some way every day.  The best way to master the holidays is to change up your approach- be different. Take your time this year. No more running around, breaking a sweat, racing against the holiday clock. Plan ahead, start early, and do not rush but mosey your way through the holidays. Take the stress out of your days by working smarter, not harder: clear out your fridge to make room for the Tupperware to come, p re-prep side dishes, and make big, easy one-pot meals days before that can double for lunch or leftovers. Lastly, e njoy the season, mindfully. Be present living in the moment for every beautiful experience, and end the year with a satisfied spirit and a content heart.   Creating a healthy balance between your to-do list and your for-you list is the important, but most of all, ...

Once you decide to carve out time for yourself and begin to analyze how you usually spend your time, you really see how much of your daily agenda is filled with all of the things and people that you put above and before yourself. Children aside, you can feel guilty choosing you and put yourself on the back burner indefinitely. This coming year calls for a fresh start, perspective, and posture on your standing on your own totem pole. It will require a lot of new disciplines. You will need to distance yourself from your neediest friends and family. You will need to slow down, minimize, or take a break from the messiness, chaos, and drama other people bring to you from their lives. You will need to make a conscious effort to avoid overexertion. Your newfound, grade A commitment to remember you will require that you stop allowing yourself to ignore your own needs to fulfill the demands of those around you. The guilt will still be there, at least initially, but eventually you will feel the ...