by carrie
The season of celebration is here and there are tons of people to see, parties to attend and shopping to do.
We know how stressful it can all be so we wanted to remind you to pause and take a moment for yourself.
Here are this years top 5 things we think you should do to close out 2011 and bring in 2012.
1. Take 20-30 minutes to count your blessings. This one is also at the top of my list. If you haven’t already stop sit and drink a cup of hot chocolate or tea and relax, thinking of all the things that made this year worthwhile. Focus on the positive and leave the challenges behind, as 2012 will surely bring its own batch of fires to extinguish.
2. Tour of Lights! One night this week or next, pop the family in the car for a winter wonderland tour of the neighborhood lights with a round of hot chocolate or warm cider for everyone.
3. Instead of gift exchange with friends, get together for a lunch somewhere to laugh and catch up. Your time these days is valuable enough, and the memories you’ll share are precious. Just be sure to do it before the kids get out of school this week, or it probably won’t happen (and don’t try to do it with the kids, it’s not the same).
4. Clean out the clutter now. I know everyone starts at the New Year BUT if you start some of it now, the easy stuff like drawers or closets, you will feel so much better going into 2011.
5. Make a list of what you want to accomplish in 2012, but focus on your wishes and not tasks. Avoiding the specific details gives you time to work out how to accomplish them, and avoids setting yourself up for failure because you didn’t hop right to some specific task on January 2nd. Keep to a high level and you’ll be ready for them on January 1st!
Note #5 is also great for kids. I love to hear what their goals and dreams for the year are. Adrian achieved a biggy this year and now has his 1st degree black belt. Start the kids off early and help them plan their goals and the gratification of achieving them.
Happy Holidays!
