Member Articles

Thanksgiving is behind us and off we go towards the next round of festivities, celebrations, and gatherings.

I've always loved the holidays; they add warmth and glow to the cold season. I've also learned that it's easy to lose ourselves in the roller coaster of holiday activity, mismanaged priorities, and social pressure. It’s important to know how we want this time of the year to be. What do we crave for? What is our heart’s desire? As we go through our days, busy thoughts racing through our minds, what do we wish for?

When we are clear as to our wants and needs, we are more likely to satisfy them. Neglecting to honor our personal needs results in lack of personal balance and satisfaction. As this year is coming to a close and while preparing for the year to come, honor yourself by engaging in the these practices:

1.) Self-awareness. Being aware of how you feel in any given situation and of what you truly want is a gift and an art worth learning. It takes practice, for certain. Most of us haven’t been encouraged to be present within ourselves and honor ourselves. After all, being human is a journey into self-awareness. Imagine the strength that comes from knowing, at any given moment, who you are, what you want, and what you want to do, beyond any reasonable doubt. As you go through your day give yourself the gift of pausing and asking: “How do I feel right now?” “Is this something I want to do or is it something I’m expected to do?” “What do I want to do instead?” and “Am I willing to do what I want?” You’ll be surprised how little time it takes to do this exercise.

2.) Self-acceptance. Children are great teachers in presence of mind and self-acceptance. They seem to know exactly what they want and when they want it by (it’s usually now). They don’t seem to feel self-conscious or guilty for getting their needs and wants met. Adults, are a different story altogether. Whether we have what we want or not, we find a way to torture and reject ourselves and feel guilty on top of it! Are you one of these unfortunate but extremely mainstream adults that engage in self-criticism as often as you get the chance? Try some good old fashioned forgiveness and kindness towards the only person that will always be there for you, no matter what: Yourself!

3.) Self-love. Am I pushing it? It blows my mind that we actually think we can love others without loving ourselves first. Our relationship with ourselves is an ongoing exercise in learning to love, unconditionally. Isn’t that how humans have been wired to love? So, let’s practice some self-love this season and for seasons to come. See yourself for who you are, accept yourself, and feel love and compassion for the person you are, for all you have been and all you are meant to be.