Christmas Day...Celebrating the Holidays...Celebrating Self

Happy Holidays!

My day has started with coffee, reading, meditation, and spiritual practices just as usual, but something is much different this morning. It's Christmas. People all over the world are comforted by the ritual of tradition and celebration, while others are creating new traditions and then others, find tradition abandoned for whatever reason and find themselves alone. I've experienced all of these.

This year I didn't decorate because I'm not hosting any events, and as I write this, I have a tinge of regret. I've been thinking about the special ornaments, the handmade treasures, and of Christmases gone by. 

I have a list of foods to prepare for Christmas lunch at my son's house, a few work-related tasks to complete, and a couple of texts, emails, and phone calls to wish Merry Christmas to some special people in my life. Then I'll be with family to open gifts and continue the celebrations.

I'm spending my time intentionally and participating in the things that I value. Are there things missing or things I'd like to include, sure, but I'm relishing in what I do have, practicing gratitude, and counting my blessings.

I learned some great advice from Zig Ziggler and Dr. Wayne Dyer: what you think about, you manifest...what you focus on, you move toward. I once heard Zig Ziggler's son Tom talk about this. He describes it as "What you feed your mind determines your appetite." In my life-coaching membership, A Pilgrimage to Self, I describe the PATHS, Stepping Stones, and Milestones we walk and I apply the advice of the Indian Proverb, A House With Four Rooms, by "airing" out my four rooms, physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual rooms, each day. Doing something every single day, even if not for long periods of time, still allows progress to be made, and it keeps what I value front and center.

Not only am I celebrating all that Christmas means to me, but I am also celebrating the launch of my 2019 New Year, New YOU program with A Pilgrimage to Self. I'm passionate about inspiring others, and I know the positive changes that come from living an Intentional Life.

How about you? How is your day starting? What circumstances do you find yourself in? Are your circumstances your way of living an Intentional Life? 

Even under the best of circumstances, sometimes we experience overwhelm, chaos, or disappointment. We forget to stay focused and care for ourselves. Are you practicing self-care and mapping out some time for yourself? 

I'd like to encourage you to find the moments to attend to what's important and assure you that you should be on that list. 

I believe we make time for what we value, but many people put the needs and wants of others before their own, especially women. Sometimes we need to be reminded that this is a habit we need to break...remember the advice: put the oxygen mask on yourself first then help others. We need to reconnect to our authentic self.

The spirit of Christmas has always been a special time, and I'll never forget what my young son said one year as we sat beside the decorated tree, "This tree represents the spirit of Christmas." I asked him to explain, and he told me it is a visual reminder to be kind, loving, and caring...not just during the holiday, but always, and to everyone, including ourselves.

Well, that year I made a decision to leave the tree up all year; I needed that visual reminder because my life was in shambles and I didn't know what direction I would be going in. I was unhappy, tired, and grieving.

That Christmas tree reinforced my desire to live with grace and dignity, to choose happiness, and live with forgiveness and gratitude. Every single time a visitor came into the house, I shared the vision...I shared the meaning and how it continued to inspire me. Even though I don't keep a Christmas tree up all year long anymore, I often think of that tree and it makes me smile and remember my intentions for my life.

I hope you will celebrate yourself along with the many other blessings, meanings, and intentions you hold dear. It's important to celebrate every single day, not just on holidays.

But, because it is the holiday, I'm off to try a new recipe for Tres Leches

( three milk) cake...if it's a hit, I'll share the recipe!

In the meantime, if you are looking for a special gift...share the encouragement, inspiration, and support through a heart-centered journey...join A Pilgrimage to Self and get started on your success story! Together, we will celebrate the process!

Here's the link:

https://www.ahousewithfourrooms.com/offers/TJWW8FRv

In Celebration and Gratitude,

Lisa