Stay Balanced This Season

Running from one social obligation to the next, shopping in crowded malls, and trying to make that nearly sold-out movie can leave you exhausted. Throw in family and in-laws and you may be frayed, frazzled and at the end of your gilded holiday rope!

The key to embracing the spirit of giving and loving of the season is to give yourself a break, receive tranquility from the universe and love the people you choose to share this special time with.

Here are five tips to maintaining your center this season:

1. Don’t say, “Yes!” to every invitation.
An invitation is just that – a request for you to consider. Being rich with options is a wonderful place to find yourself. However, attending every option will leave you without the riches of rest and time you owe yourself. Take away the pressure and RSVP “maybe” to the events that you are not sure you really want to attend. That way, if you are up to it, it’s there. If your holiday cheer is tapped out, snuggle up with some hot cocoa and celebrate your alone time.

2. Stay with your spiritual program.
Good habits of exercise and meditation establish themselves through the year because they increase awareness and connectedness to the earth, the sky, the ocean and humanity. The blur of the holidays shouldn’t mean abandoning the very things that saw you through another year of living. By staying with your spiritual practices, you will have the energy and openness to enjoy the season.

3. Don’t overspend.
The temptation to impress friends and family with expensive gifts and picking up the dinner tab can come back to haunt you when the credit card bill arrives in January. You are whole, complete and a valued friend and family member without sending a single greeting card. Remember this as you shop for the people in your life. If your finances don’t reflect abundance this year, host a “giftless” potluck with friends and give your family what they really want, your time.

4. Give a gift to your dreams.
Take a day away from the mall and do something that nourishes your intentions. Have you always wanted to write a novel? Give yourself the gift of writing just one page. Have you always wanted to surf? Buy a surfing magazine and put your favorite picture up on the wall. By just starting the work, your dreams begin to manifest. In this time of reflection, sing of your dreams and all your best intentions. By giving them voice, they will all come to pass.

5. Relax, relax, relax.
The holidays are just a few more days in a universe that has no bounds. This year’s batch doesn’t have to be the biggest or the best. They can just be what they are meant to be – what you make of them. Slow down, take your time and enjoy the activities and the people that you enjoy. Take the pressure off and throw a snowball out into the sky, play catch with the universe.

And finally, take care of yourself first. You can’t give away what you don’t have. By staying centered this holiday season you will nurture both your spirit and those around you. And that is the start of a wonderful New Year!