FINDING YOUR JOY DURING THE HOLIDAYS

The holidays are filled with gatherings of friends and family and festivities and fun but they can also be filled with

• Expectation

• Disappointment

• Overscheduling & overcommitment

• Overspending

• Overindulgence

• Exhaustion, overload & overwhelm

For the last several years I’ve been on a journey to find more joy, meaning and purpose in my own life. Through conversations with other women, I found I was far from alone in my desire for something more. I found so many other women who were seeking ways to improve their belief in self, set better boundaries, nurture their souls, and to live fully, with grace, vitality and joy. In this process, I learned more and more about living healthfully and finding greater joy, wholeness and purpose in life. I continue to learn, and with my passion to help others, I love to share things that will be beneficial for others. This holiday season I have 5 tips to help YOU find more joy during the holidays - and throughout the coming year!

5 Tips to Help You Find More Joy

Tip #1 Make Self-Care a Priority

• This is the BEST gift you can give yourself

• Take time to rest, recharge and nourish yourself - this actually increases your capacity to give to others

• Encourage your family members and friends to engage in their own self-care

Tip #2 Create a Joy List

• Write out a list of 3 to 10 things that make you feel joyful

• Post it where you’ll see it every day

• Read your joy list aloud morning and night (or more often)

• When you feel down, stressed or exhausted, review your list and DO one of the things on your list

• If you can’t actually do a joyful thing, take a few minutes and IMAGINE IT; savor how you feel when you’re doing it

Tip #3 Be Present as Much as Possible

• Appreciate the people you’re with

• Don’t dwell on those who aren’t there

• Set aside your “To Do” list when you’re with others

• Don’t worry about the details that no one but you will notice

Tip #4 Read and/or Write Daily Affirmations

• Find quotes or affirmations that resonate with you

• Make it your own - write your own affirmations

• Speak or read your affirmations often

Tip #5 Have a conversation with your family & friends about JOY

• Conversations spark intimacy and meaningful connection

• Find opportunities to talk about joy

  • At holiday meals ask everyone to go around the table and share what brings them joy

  • When meeting friends for coffee or a drink, ask what brings them joy this time of year

  • When visiting loved ones in assisted living and nursing homes, ask about their most joyful memories

  • At your company holiday party, ask a question for everyone to answer or do break out groups with different questions about joy and share the responses

AFFIRMATION

“My day begins and ends with gratitude and joy.” ~ Louise Hay

If you would like a special gift of 12 Holiday Conversation Cards to download and print, please message me on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn or email me. These beautifully illustrated conversation cards can be used to spark meaningful conversations about joy, as journal prompts and more.

I would also like to thank artist Ilse Coffman for the beautiful images on the Conversation Cards and the image on this blog post. Check out more from Ilse at Ilse Coffman Art or on her Instagram.

Wishing you and your families a most joyful holiday!