![\"Love](\"http:\/\/www.vivehealth.com.au\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/12\/Love-Hearted-Image-Kimberly-Newing.jpg\")
<\/a>For me, the meaning of Christmas is about celebration, love, connection, family, gratitude and laughter. I want my family and those around me to experience my loving, generous and playful self during this period \u2013 not my frustrated, tense and cranky self! With two little kids there is a whole lotta fun to be had and I want to be a part of it \uf04a<\/p>\nHere\u2019s my invitation to you: Make a choice about who you want to show up as and what kind of experience you want to create for those around you for the rest of this year. Why?<\/p>\n
Because life is better when we are more mindful of what we really want and of how our behaviour affects others. Follow my top 5 tips today to help keep you feeling more focused, calm and happy\u2026<\/p>\n
1) Move your body frequently and joyfully
\nOften when we need the release the most, we practice it the least. Excuses surface and before we know it our mind has convinced us of all the reasons WHY we don\u2019t have time to make that yoga class or the energy to go for a much needed walk. Stop listening to that voice that will talk you out of what\u2019s good for you. Set the time in your schedule, commit to it and GO! You never regret moving your body and your soul will love you for it!<\/p>\n
2) Prioritize
\nTake some time to sit down with a pen and paper and create a list consisting of columns that correspond to each area of your life. Then within each column do a brain dump. List all of the things that have been giving you a \u2018monkey mind\u2019 and keeping you awake at night. Beside each task, write a date by which it needs to be completed and finally, rank each task according to its due date. Put the list up where you can see it often and allow yourself great pleasure as you tick off the completed items on your list \uf04a JUST DO IT. You know it works!<\/p>\n
3) Lighten up
\nStop taking everything so seriously. Ghandi said it best \u201cbe the change you wish to see in the world\u201d. By allowing yourself to be in a state of joy and peace \u2013 you unconsciously invite others into that space also. Remember what meaning you are choosing to make this holiday season about then act accordingly. Remember to breathe before you react and remember the spirit of giving. I\u2019m not talking about material giving here \u2013 I am talking about giving of yourself. The world doesn\u2019t need more \u2018stuff\u2019 to be bought. The world needs more of you being you. Happier, lighter more present YOU.<\/p>\n
4) Set clear boundaries
\nKnow your limits and give yourself permission to say \u201cNo\u201d. There is nothing more draining on the spirit when one constantly puts another\u2019s needs before their own. Remember to fill your own cup FIRST so that you have the capacity within you to contribute to the cups of the people around you. Instead of saying \u201cYes\u201d to that party on Friday night when you really don\u2019t feel like it \u2013 say \u201cYes\u201d to a date with yourself. A night in with a good book or movie, a bath with candles or an early night. Whatever you need to fill your own cup \u2013 do that. Your needs matter too so don\u2019t wait until you\u2019re already burnt out and overwhelmed to take time out. Notice where you need to say \u201cNO\u201d more to the outside world and \u201cYES\u201d more to yourself and DO IT.<\/p>\n
5) Connect with your heart
\nLet\u2019s not forget what it means to be in community. Christmas is a wonderful time to remember what being in community is all about. There are people who find this time of year incredibly lonely. There are people whose hearts are aching as they move through this holiday period yet who might be putting on a brave face. May you be open to bringing love and connection to everyone you meet. May you be open to being THAT person who offers a random act of kindness to an unsuspecting heart who needs it the most. Stay present. Keep your eyes and heart open as you bring the gift of who you really are to those who need it the most. Let go of judgment, choose to see beyond the behaviours and give anyway. The world will be a better place for it and your experience of Christmas this year will be too.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s choose to end 2014 as our best selves. Let\u2019s make way for new beginnings in 2015 where we live more of the qualities and lives we deeply yearn for. One of the ways you can say \u201cYES\u201d to yourself this year might be to seek professional support. If you are finding yourself overwhelmed, feeling lost or lacking in clarity about where you are heading in your life, my \u2018gift\u2019 to you is a complimentary 30 minute clarity call. This call is designed to offer immediate support and to bring a sense of relief, focus and direction into your life today.<\/p>\n
This year, I invite you to decide to do things a little differently. What if this season – before things get crazy, you take a moment to reconnect to what the meaning of Christmas is about for YOU. What if … Continue reading <\/a>For more information visit www.abalancedlifecoaching.com or call Kim on 0419 326 808<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"