Finding Peace in the Chaos: A Gentle Invitation to Self-Care
Another week, and another year, have passed. It's that time when we find ourselves standing at the intersection of reflection and anticipation. The end of the year can feel both peaceful and stressful, depending on how we approach it. As we wrap up projects, set new intentions, and think about all that’s to come, it can be easy to get swept up in the whirlwind.
But here's a simple question: Does this time of year bring you peace or stress?
For many, the rush of the holiday season or the pressures of starting fresh in the new year can be overwhelming. I believe there's real power in taking a pause—a moment to nurture ourselves, even if just for a few minutes.
Self-Care Doesn’t Have to Be Complicated
I want to encourage you to take time for self-nurturing this season. It doesn’t need to be an elaborate spa day or a weekend getaway (though if you can swing that, wonderful!). It can be as simple as carving out 10 minutes to do something that brings you joy.
Sometimes, it’s easy to feel like we have to do it all—check off the to-do list, meet the year-end deadlines, attend all the social gatherings. But self-care doesn’t have to be another item on your checklist. Instead, make it an effortless addition to your day.
Simple Self-Care: Hooking Joy Into Existing Habits
One way to make self-care stick is by attaching it to something you already do every day. For example, you could hook something you love doing, like reading a book, knitting, or sketching, onto an established habit like eating lunch. Imagine this: as you sit down to eat, you give yourself permission to take 10 minutes to read a chapter of a novel, work on a few rows of knitting, or sketch something that sparks your creativity.
It’s the act of savoring a small moment, an intentional pause, that nurtures your spirit. Even if it's only for 10 minutes, the impact of these small acts can be profound. You don’t have to wait for the "perfect" moment—this is your time, right in the middle of the everyday.
Peace or Stress: You Get to Choose
As we transition from one year to the next, I invite you to reflect on what you need. Do you need more space for rest? More time for creativity? Or perhaps more quiet moments to simply be? Whatever you choose, remember that it doesn’t need to be complicated. It’s the simple things—those moments of nurturing yourself—that add up and make all the difference.
So, my invitation to you today is this: find those 10 minutes. Attach them to something you already do. Breathe, pause, and give yourself the gift of self-care.
Whether it’s the bustle of the holidays or the excitement of new beginnings, may you find small moments of peace amid it all