Jen Rigley Speaker, Author, Founder of Flourishing Over Fifty® and creator of The Flourish Journey

4 days ago
3 min read

It’s already December and I haven’t yet gotten into the Holiday spirit - how about you? Here in Chicago I’ve taken the cold weather gear out of the closet and am getting ready to face the next few months of cold, snowy weather. This is always a big time of transition for me - from bright, warm summer and a cool fall to the truly cold and white winter that we have in the midwest.

What I like about transition times is that we have the opportunity to be more thoughtful in what we want the next season to bring so we can move into it with more intention. I want to share an activity that can help us all spend more time being and less time doing. This is adapted from an activity that I lead in my workshops based on The Flourish Journey™, my transformative seven-step healing process.

How to Enjoy the Holiday Season with Less Stress, More Being and Less Doing

Start with envisioning how you would like the holiday season to evolve. Don’t focus on just one big day of celebration but look to the full season. Close your eyes and take some time to begin dreaming about how it unfolds. Allow yourself to be fully present, connecting deeply to each of your senses, and feel what resonates with you.

SIGHT What does your holiday season look like? Do you see yourself reading a book, shopping at your favorite store, baking cookies with your children or grandchildren?
TOUCH What does your holiday season feel like? Can you feel the spirit of joy and peace? Can you touch the evergreen from your tree and the soft cotton of a gifted blanket?
SOUND What does your holiday season sound like? Holiday music on your playlist, a fire crackling?
TASTE What does your holiday season taste like? What are some of your favorite meals - not just on the big day but throughout the month? What is a special dish you make that is a treat for yourself or for friends?
SMELL What aromas surround you during this holiday season? Can you breathe that in - cinnamon and spice or maybe evergreen or peppermint?

By using all of the five senses to bring the holiday to life, it becomes much more than just one big day - it becomes a full season of things we enjoy. Once you’ve finished the visioning activity, pull out specific things that you can easily incorporate into your day. Maybe you buy that evergreen candle today so you can have it lit all season long. Buy that book you plan to read and keep it next to your bedside table as a reminder to take time for yourself. Call your family and schedule the cookie baking day.

What’s great about this activity is that it provides a way for each of us to be intentional in how we want to spend our time and energy during the season. It’s a way to recalibrate if we find ourselves becoming overwhelmed by all there is to do. It’s a gift we can give to ourselves, one that benefits everyone around us as it helps us show up with more peace and joy in our heart.

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