It’s here again, if you can believe it. Another year has flown by and here we’ve landed, smack dab in the middle of the holidays.

For some, this time of year draws up happy memories of great times with our family. For many, it comes with feelings of stress and anxiety. And perhaps most realistically, a mix of both. I propose this year, we move through the season with INTENTION.

Setting an intention for anything is extremely beneficial. It helps to keep us grounded, to keep us aware, and maintain a healthy mindset. Often times, I think we fly through the holiday season with no intention, only to find ourselves in a constant state of reaction and catching up. We spend the time trying to fit our lives, or to-do lists, our schedules, into what’s expected of us from others, or told to us by the media. We end up forgetting this time of year, at the end of the day, is about being with people you love. Sure, we might spend time with these people…but how often do you actually come out of it totally unscathed?

Time to change it up. Move through the season with the intention of being present and truly being with those that you love. Don’t worry so much about what gifts your giving or if you’ve decorated enough or provided enough atmosphere for your loved ones to bask in, cresting an imagined sense of connection. Truly connect. Sit down and have conversations with the people you love. Instead of just giving gifts, go out and enjoy an activity together. Get off your phone and eat dinner together without looking at your screen. If you aren’t in town, call them, FaceTime them…don’t just send a card. Create real memories.

And hey, on the other side of things…don’t be afraid to cut out those people in your life who aren’t there for you and don’t support you. You don’t have to give people your time and energy just because. It’s ok to remove toxic people from your life. Or toxic situations. Just because it’s the holidays, doesn’t mean you have to put up with it. Perhaps more people would act grateful to be with their families if everyone focused on being together instead of criticizing each other or fighting.

I know, it’s not the most unique topic I could write about. It’s been written about tons of times. But sometimes it takes repetition to really drive the point home.

Wishing you holidays filled with love, light, and laughter <3

Chels