All I want for Christmas this year? TIME. Lots of it. Uninterrupted, unscheduled and unattached to anyone else’s expectations. This holiday season seems so filled with obligations that I’m finding it hard to settle into that “Spirit of Christmas” I hear so much about. I felt this heavy feeling of dread coming over me so I did what any semi-evolved city girl would do … I went to yoga. Yes, the rumors are true. A little yoga does in fact go along way to helping you get grounded, which is exactly what we all need to survive the craziness that the holidays can bring. Starting my week with yoga helped me to stop calling it “hell week” because of commitments I made every night. I stressfully rushed late to class (as we so often do), but once there all I did was focus on slowing my breathing down, settling a little deeper into a pose, and becoming more present, as I listened to the instructor gently guide me through 90 minutes. And now my dreaded week is almost over and I am still alive, gracefully at that.
It started with acceptance of the situation, a few deep breaths, and then letting go of all the stress I’d attached to it. It doesn’t hurt that I’m finally reading Eckhart Tolle’s The Power of Now (finally, after starting and stopping over the last 5 years). Now is all we have. I can stress about the future and regret things of the past, but at the end of it all, it’s just this one moment that I have. I for one would rather enjoy the moment I’m in rather than dread it.
To help get you back to feeling joyful, we hope you enjoy our Holiday Issue, where we remind you what gift giving is all about, share some great ideas on finding creative and affordable gifts, and even inspire you with gift ideas for yourself. And no issue would be complete without out fabulous makeup tips to have glowing brighter than the star atop your tree, or gifting you with your very own holiday film survival guide. Before you know it, Oscar season will be upon us so get out and spend what little free time you have this holiday season at the movies. Or rather than dread 5 holiday parties, let yourself get a little joyful and look forward to the memories you can create with each other, because all you have is right now.
Editors Note
Michele
Michele and FLM Contributor Stephanie Bryant enjoying FLM's Holiday Celebration of Culture Event.