Now, most TeamConfessioners know that much of what I do each week supports my well-being. I have the life stuff I have to do, but I also make sure to prioritize: eating right, working out, and spending time with family and friends. One of my buddies, Kerry Shay, (who also happens to be a licensed therapist and a mindfulness and meditation teacher) taught me an incredibly helpful practice…especially during this season when my to-do lists grow and exhaustion sets in.

Kerry reminds me that, before I barrel into the next scheduled agenda item, I can ask myself:  What’s the most loving choice in this moment? Is it to go on that walk that I routinely take? Or, would it be more loving to skip the walk, and instead, finish wrapping presents while watching one of my favorite Christmas movies? I know what I’m going to choose today!

This time last year I posted an episode called, Prioritizing Self-Care During the Holidays (I’ll put that link in the show notes). Because I’m a magnet-for-martyrdom, I always need the reminder to keep my self-care on the list. But, as things pile up—I love this invitation from Kerry to weigh both options. On one day getting to that class at the YMCA may win out, but on another day the most self-caring thing might be to skip the gym to gain an hour in my day that I’m not used to having. And I get to make that choice on a case-by-case basis.

If you’re interested, please check out Kerry’s website. She usually starts her mindfulness classes in the beginning of February and they’re a fabulous way to prioritize your self-care in the New Year.

And Team, while we’re on this very important topic of self-care, does everyone know what Confessions holiday is just six days away right now? Fend for Yourself Day! Our favorite day in the calendar year when we encourage one another to just sit on our asses and do ab-so-lute-ly nothing! So, if I have a little martyr relapse in these last few days before the 25th, the 26th is right there to let my family and everyone in my life know: I am going to sit on my keister on this here couch and you can all leave me the heck alone. I don’t want to hear about your life, or what’s going on with you. What you did or what someone did to you. Just leave Mama be to eat Christmas leftovers, and watch TV for 14 hours straight. And, if I doze off, keep it down ya filthy animals! 

Ok TeamC, we have one more week till the new year hits, so I’ll be back one more time in 2024 to chat about vacation behavior. And before I go, remember this question: “What’s the most loving choice today?” Thanks so much for listening Team!