The holiday season is fast approaching. This year, start by taking care of you.

Right now.
Right now is when you get to decide how you want to move through this upcoming holiday season… instead of letting it move through you.

RIGHT NOW is when you take time to think back to what exhausted you last year… and decide how you’re going to choose differently this time.

Maybe it was the nonstop calendar. Maybe it was the pressure to “make it magical” for everyone else. Maybe it was the mental load no one saw you carrying. Whatever it was… take a second to make note of it, so you don’t repeat it.

RIGHT NOW is when you think about the things that drained your joy last year… and start gathering the tools to build the boundaries that will protect it instead.
Maybe it was saying “yes” to too many things. Maybe it was putting too much pressure on finding that perfect gift for your kids, teachers, neighbors and friends. Maybe it was packing your schedule so much you didn’t even have time to watch a holiday movie with your family.

Whatever it was… remember that the people you love want to experience the season with the whole version of you… and you deserve to do it that way, too.

RIGHT NOW is when you take some time to acknowledge the struggle that’s on your heart as you go into the season… and start reaching out to the circle of support you need to navigate it on the days that might be extra hard.

Maybe you’re grieving someone you lost in this last year. Maybe a significant relationship in your family has changed. Maybe finances aren’t great or maybe your mental well-being isn’t at its best, either. Whatever it is… you’re allowed to ask for the help you need.

RIGHT NOW is when you remember how little the “stuff” meant, once it was all over last season… and let that guide you toward decisions that prioritize people over presents, presence over the pressure… and your well-being over everything else.

Right. Now.
Before the invitations show up.
Before the calendar fills and the rush begins.
Before you start to fall into the trap of the “busy.”
While the noise is still quiet enough to hear your own voice.

Decide how to make sure this won’t be a season you disappear into… but instead one you stay intentionally present in.

Not just for the people you love — but for you, too.

Photo above by Victoria Heath via Unsplash.