Juli Hicks encourages you to adjust your inner dialogue and breathe ease into the holidays

By Juli Hicks, Certified Life Coach

How are you breathing as we count down the days until Christmas? Do you feel like all the extra holiday demands are suffocating you?

When I start to feel overwhelmed, it would be easy to skip the practices that nourish me. However, I know when I do that, I not only suffer but those around me start feeling the effects, too. For many years I clung to my holiday to-do lists in desperation. Regardless of the costs, I had to get it all done and it had to be perfect. Needless to say, I had little holiday spirit for many years.

The Latin word for “spirit” is “spirare,” which means “to breathe into.” I now intentionally breathe spirit into the holidays by taking care of myself. A morning cup of coffee, yoga, and meditation do it for me.

Regardless of your life circumstances or how much time you have, I encourage you to not compromise on doing the things that fortify your spirit.

We all get inspired in different ways. For you, it could be a daily devotional, running, being out in nature, or art.

Regardless, it’s important to identify what works for you and just do it. Do it regularly and especially during the holidays.

I still have times when I can feel my shoulders start to creep up to my ears. Regardless of the source of stress, I come back to ease by finding my breath and by doing this simple exercise:

I close my eyes and say to myself, “peace begins with me.” I often do this with an inconspicuous hand movement by gently sliding my thumb over each finger as I say the words. Peace—thumb touches forefinger. Begins—thumb touches middle finger. With—thumb touches ring finger. Me—thumb touches baby finger.

After just a few moments, I have set a more positive intention and I can resume my day with more peace, clarity and a renewed spirit.

Juli Hicks is a certified Life Coach. Contact her or sign up for her Flourishing after 50 program at JuliHicks.com.