Renewing Relationships

If you're visiting for the first time, welcome!

And if you are returning, thanks for coming back!

I hope that your holiday season has been infused with loved ones, tasty treats, friendship and a bit of meaningful magic. Richard and I are home again after being away for Christmas... seeing numerous friends that we've not seen for as much as seven years. We were amazed at how it was like no time had gone by, our connection still warm and strong after all those years.

You will recognize this... how there are people that come into our lives that are there for a period of time or circumstance and yet there are others that will be heart-connected forever, no matter the spacial distance or time between visits. Richard and I created the chance to see a few sweet friends we cherish on Christmas Day... and we now with a renewed commitment to see each other more frequently next time.

Our family Christmas of twelve was filled with much happy conversation, an awesome traditional turkey dinner, happy spirits and the greatest gift possible... Dad JUST home from the hospital after emergency appendix surgery.

Family and friendships are such vital ingredients to a balanced life! Did your family and friendship batteries get topped up this holiday? If not, there's always an opportunity to make the effort over New Years.

Now completely (and happily) pooped out after much socializing, long sleeps and refocussing my energy is in order. I'll talk to you again in a few days.

Warmly, Carolyn
Inner Fitness(R) Programs
www.innerfitness.ca

Christmas... A Time For Love

Happy sigh...

All of the hustle and bustle of Christmas preparations have been completed and it is now time to relax into the real joy of the holidays. For me, that means meeting with the special people that mean the most, our beloved friends and family members I haven't seen in almost a year. The gifting that tends to gets so much focus during this time of year is but a mere token of love's expression... it is the gathering and visiting and catching up that is the important part.

Richard and I celebrated our 26th anniversary yesterday, choosing to marry all those years ago on the first day after the winter solstice because it represents a time of the return of light. We are so blessed to know the depth of love and friendship that we share together. Romance continues to be alive in our hearts and in our actions and I count my blessings every day.

Whatever your plans this holiday, may you too be touched by the essence of love, inspired to meet with those people that mean the very most to you. Richard and I wish you and your loved ones a special time of gentle renewal, heartfelt conversations and celebrations to infuse potential into the coming New Year.

I'll talk to you again after the holidays... blessings to you.

Warmly, Carolyn and Richard
Inner Fitness(R) Programs
www.innerfitness.ca

Christmas Overload

Hi! The countdown to Christmas is on, approaching very quickly.

Are you already overloaded with Christmas, even though it hasn't arrived yet?
I admit I've had my moments lately... and some of you are expressing the same to me.

This holiday season, more so than others in the year, seems to require SO much extra attention with so many more tasks and such expectation that it causes anxiety rather than the joy it "ought" to have associated with it.

How to fit everything in... especially in addition to the usual busy schedules we all already have? I know my list includes;

• Writing Christmas cards to loved ones
• Sending out a business promotion to clients
• Buying gifts
• Wrapping gifts
• Packaging the gifts that need to be mailed and getting them to the post office
• Decorating the office
• Decorating the house and tree
• Hosting a Christmas dinner for family and friends
• Christmas Day travels and an overnight stay

Staying sane and happy in the face of all the pressure can become overwhelming for many at this time of year! It is any wonder that Christmas creates a lot of anxiety and even depression.

Things that can help to manage your Christmas overwhelm could include;

1. List priorities & time-line each task so it's clear what needs attention first.
2. Work steadily on immediate priorities only, resisting the temptation to do other things.
3. Ask for help and delegate where possible.
4. Create little systems to make each task as easy and as duplicatable as possible.
5. Keep it simple!
6. Focus on quality, rather than quantity.
7. Take breaks from it all occasionally.
8. Spend within your means, so that you do not create that an additional anxiety for yourself.
9. Reminder... small homemade gifts are received very well.
10. Understand and respect your limits... don't try to be the Christmas task super-hero or you'll be sick when Christmas actually arrives.

Most importantly is to look after yourself well, eat healthfully, get adequate sleep, keep alcohol to a minimum and remind yourself that "It will all work out well" with the right mindset and spirit.

Don't sweat the small stuff... instead focus on the big picture of joining with those you love and having a joyous time together over the holiday. Afterall, isn't that what Christmas is REALLY about!

Warmly, Carolyn
Inner Fitness(R) Programs
www.innerfitness.ca