Easing into the holidays

Part 1

For those who are caught up in the busy-ness of the holiday season, caring for others and putting their needs and wants first, these ideas are for you! Easing into a busy period may feel difficult at times, but it is absolutely possible to find balance and joy with a little intention.

And for the next season, where there might be a little more expansiveness, there are a few thoughts and ideas about where a coaching conversation can help you dive deeper into your thinking and decision making.

Rest

Firstly, rest. This season can feel like a whirlwind: endless to-do lists, gatherings, and expectations to meet before we get to properly put our feet up. But rest isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. When we prioritize rest, we create space to be present, to enjoy the little moments of magic, and to give our best selves to those we care about.

What small moments of rest can you claim this week? Maybe it’s a few quiet minutes with a warm drink, a peaceful walk in nature, or simply pausing to breathe deeply amidst the hustle. These moments may seem small, but they have a big impact. Be intentional about creating some micro-moments to nurture your wellbeing.

And for later? Coaching offers a safe, calming space to pause, reflect, and recharge. Need to create balance and equilibrium? A coaching conversation can help you identify where you can slow down and make good choices for your time, your wellbeing, and how to be truly present. Book a complementary discovery session - my gift to you.

Reflect

How does it feel to take a moment to reflect?

So much about this season invites us to pause and reflect. What really matters to you right now? Is it spending meaningful time with loved ones, reconnecting with your. values, or simply slowing down to enjoy the season’s beauty?

Reflection isn’t just about looking back, it’s also about aligning with what’s truly important. Ask yourself: how can I honour my priorities this season?

For now, when you take time to reflect, you can shape your days with intention, bringing clarity and calm to the holiday rush. Later, you may like to consider a deeper conversation helping you focus on what fills you with joy and purpose, that it might be reflected in all aspects of your life.

Rekindle

How would it be to rekindle the spark? The season of light is a wonderful time to rekindle what sparks joy and gives purpose in your life. What might you rekindle in this reflective season? Perhaps it’s an old family tradition, a creative passion, a dream cast aside, or a sense of connection that’s been dimmed by the year's demands.

Reignite what makes you come alive. What do you long to nurture? Where can you find a renewed sense of wonder, exploration and intention for a brighter future? Imagine stepping forward with a renewed sense of direction and energy - what would that be like for you?

If you'd like to work together to rekindle your inner light and bring fresh energy to a new season, pop me a message, and we can explore a little together.

Re-connect

"Only connect! That was the whole of her sermon. Only connect the prose and the passion, and both will be exalted, and human love will be seen at its height. Live in fragments no longer.” E.M. Forster, Howards End.

Sundown on a winter beach - an expansive blue space in which to take a deep cold breath, while bathing in warm golden light.

Amid the daily hustle and bustle we can lose sight of the connections that truly matter. Who or what do you want to reconnect with this holiday season? Maybe it’s loved ones, a sense of community, the natural world, or even your own inner voice. Perhaps it's about making a coherent and aligned decision that will enable you to embrace change or transition.

Coaching can help you rediscover these connections and create space for what matters deeply. In this season, consider who or what you most need to reconnect with, and create meaningful moments amidst the busy days.

As we approach the end of the year let's take time to connect with others, with the world around us, and ensure that we are feeling fully connected and aligned to living a more compassionate and less fragmented life.

Release

The holidays sometimes come wrapped in expectations—perfectionism, long to-do lists, and the pressure to meet other's needs, leaving us feeling fraught and frazzled. But what if, this Christmas, you chose to let some of that go?

This year, what could you release to create space for more joy, peace and compassion? Perhaps it’s the need to do everything perfectly, obligations that no longer align with your values, or habits that leave you feeling drained. Releasing isn’t about giving up; it’s about making room for what is of most value.

For now, how can you give yourself permission to let go of the 'shoulds' and embrace your most authentic way to celebrate? How can you look at things in a new way to create a season filled with what brings you peace and joy?

For the future, coaching provides a supportive space to reflect on and release what’s weighing you down, uncover the things that no longer serve you well and step in to a life of greater ease and flow. If you'd like to work with me to explore ways to step into a new season feeling lighter, more connected with your values and make truly aligned decisions, book a coaching conversation to really invest in yourself.

Resilience

Lichen flourishes in the harshest of places and conditions

Whether you are working hard to get everything done before having some well-earned time off, battling crowds for last minute gifts, chasing your tail trying to be in several places at once, or navigating family dynamics, the Christmas season can bring it's challenges!

Resilience gives you the resources that help you bend without breaking, adapt with grace, and go with the flow. What keeps you moving forward back when things are tough? What helps you stay grounded and focused when things feel overwhelming? These can be useful things to explore in coaching.

Following last week's storms, this little quote from The Fires of Heaven by Robert Jordan resonated with me. “The oak fought the wind and was broken, the willow bent when it must and survived.”

Do you have a quote or mantra that helps you go with the flow?

In the next part of this series we will explore ideas aroung Ritual, Routine, Recharge, Rejoice, Rediscover and Renew, and how this can support growth in a new season.