Making Conscious Choices for a Better You

The warm tropical breeze soothes my soul as I sit on our deck surrounded by tropical fruits and other magical flowering vegetation. Rolling green pasters down to the sea with an expansive view of the Pacific and the Island of Maui in the distance reminds me to be grateful every day. This holiday season cast a gentle glow around me. I cherish the time to heal in such a sacred place. I invite you to come experience this precious gift for yourself or someone else at the Always In Season Retreat on the Big Island of Hawaii.

In this post, I offer you a heartfelt message that goes beyond the glittering lights and festive decorations. In the midst of holiday preparations, I encourage you to surround yourselves with people, places, and things that bring genuine joy into your life. This time of year can indeed be magical, resonating with the spirit of giving and the warmth of togetherness. Yet, it's crucial to acknowledge that our choices during this season hold immense power — the power to either contribute to a better world or inadvertently add to its struggles.

The choices we make in our daily lives often shape the outcomes we experience. While circumstances may not always be within our control, our attitude towards them unquestionably influences the outcome. This is not some sugar-coated philosophy; it's a fundamental reality.

I share these words and suggestions below as a gentle reminder to move forward with an attitude of gratitude, appreciating what you have rather than fixating on what you want and the frenzy of shopping for meaningless gifts. These words are my gift to you.

I offer you a few simple yet impactful things you can do to overcome adversity during the holiday season. Of course, sometimes circumstances are not in our control. It is our attitude that creates the outcome. This is not BS this is reality. I offer this as a gentle reminder to move forward with an attitude of gratitude for what you have, not for what you want. Leave behind the BS and embrace a reality of positivity, and your life will improve tenfold. These words are my gift to you.

🎁Connect with Loved Ones: Reach out to friends and family who uplift your spirits and share moments of joy. Release yourself from energy vampires. Time is your greatest currency—the greatest gift of all, so spend it wisely in good company. Choosing to be around people, places, and things that bring us joy tends to give us the outcome we wish.

🎁Practice Mindfulness: Take many moments each day to be present and appreciate the surrounding beauty and what you have. Check out the Insight Timers free app. You will find a lifetime of mindfulness courses, guided meditations, breathing techniques, chanting, and more. Davidji is one of my favorite instructors, and his 21-day Breathing Course on Insight Timer is awesome.

🎁Volunteer: This holiday season, discover the joy of volunteering—a magical ingredient that adds warmth to our hearts. Giving back isn't just about making a difference; it's a transformative experience that nourishes the soul. Embrace the power of selfless giving, shifting your focus from the season's hustle to the profound joy of positive impact. Whether it's a helping hand at a local shelter or spreading cheer, giving back is a gift to yourself. Connect, empathize, and create ripples of kindness that extend beyond the holidays. Wrap yourself in the warmth of giving and find the true meaning of a healthy, fulfilled heart this holiday. 🌟💖

🎁Create Traditions: Amidst the festive glow of the holidays, consider weaving the magic of traditions into your celebrations regardless of your religion. Establishing positive rituals isn't just about creating moments; it's about crafting a tapestry of comfort, acceptance, and structure, especially in uncertain times. Embrace the many ways to celebrate and open your eyes to diversity. All cherished traditions become the heartbeat of our festivities, grounding us and fostering a sense of continuity. Whether it's a special family recipe, a holiday movie marathon, or a yearly charitable act, these rituals also provide a timeless anchor, connecting us to the joy of the season. 🌟🎄

🎁Spend Time in Nature: The closer we get to Nature, the closer we get to our true nature. Research shows that people with good-natured connectedness tend to be happier and more likely to report feeling their lives are worthwhile. Nature generates many positive emotions, such as calmness, joy, and creativity, and can facilitate concentration. Nature connectedness is also associated with lower levels of poor mental health, particularly lower depression and anxiety.

🎁Seek Professional Support: In the midst of the holiday hustle, life can be stressful. Remember that seeking professional support is an act of self-compassion. If the season brings challenges, don't hesitate to reach out for guidance. Your well-being matters, and there's strength in acknowledging when a helping hand is needed.

Leave behind the unnecessary baggage of negativity and embrace a reality infused with positivity. This shift in perspective has the potential to transform your life in ways you might not expect. Below is a list of positive Alternative Gift-Giving Ideas.

Alternative Gift-Giving Ideas: Reduce waste and have a better time.

Yes, this time of year can be truly magical, filled with the spirit of giving and warmth. However, it's also a time when our choices can improve the world or add to its struggles.

**Giving Ideas**

**1. Gift Certificates to Meaningful Experiences:**
Consider gifting experiences over material possessions. A gift certificate for a spa day, massage, cooking class, or local art workshop can create lasting memories and support local businesses.
2. *Eco-Friendly Gift Wrapping:*
Swap out traditional wrapping paper for scarves, shawls, or even reusable fabric. Did you know that traditional wrapping paper often ends up in landfills? Let's make our gifts not only thoughtful but also environmentally friendly.
**3. Donate to a Charity in Someone's Name:**
Spread the joy of giving by donating to a charity in the name of your loved ones. It's a meaningful gesture that resonates far beyond the holiday season.

4. Homemade Gifts and Ideas with Love:

Embrace the charm of homemade gifts. Whether it's a batch of cookies, a hand-knit scarf, or a personalized photo album, these gifts carry a special touch that store-bought items can't replicate—Use your imagination. Think about how your gift will have a lasting impact on the person and the place.

5. Experiences Over Material Gifts:

In the midst of the holiday rush, let's not forget that the most valuable gifts are those of love and time—exchange kindness and thoughtfulness over material goods. Take a loved one out for a special meal, surprise them with tickets to a show, or plan a family vacation to create cherished memories that last a lifetime. Consider a picnic at the park, a date to go cross-country skiing, or to a movie. Consider a CSA certificate or offer to put in a garden in the spring.

6. Choose Eco-Friendly Gifts from Companies that Give Back:

If you're not already, I invite you to embark on a journey of mindful decisions and conscious giving. Our purchases, big or small, hold the power to shape the world we live in. Rather than getting caught up in the whirlwind of commercializum we can create a better world with better choices.

Support companies with a heart for the planet. Choose eco-friendly gifts from brands like ECOSPIRED, who provide sustainable products and give back to make the world a better place.

Together, we can make this holiday season truly magical for our loved ones and the world we call home. Happy Holidays! 🌟🌎✨

Wishing you a season filled with love, joy, and an abundance of positivity.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

Join us again for an uplifting discussion on Thursday, November 30th, at 7 pm EST.

We'll be discussing the vital connection between our thoughts, emotions, and physical health with my guest, Zahrah Sita.

Zahrah is a dedicated health enthusiast, holistic detox expert, wellness and life coach, retreat facilitator, and writer. Overcoming personal health challenges, including cancer, she delved into studies encompassing Traditional Chinese Medicine, Herbalism, Nutrition, Neurofeedback, Holistic Detoxification, Ayurvedic Therapies, and more.

Zahrah's transformative journey inspired her to develop life hacks for empowerment and success, leading her to help others unlock their potential and reclaim their health through coaching programs.

To know more about Zahrah and her incredible works, kindly visit https://www.zahrahsita.com/.

Come with your questions and your concerns. ✨

Here's the Zoom link: http://bit.ly/3Z31uMH

See you soon! 💕

✨ Join us here! ✨