This holiday season I have made myself a priority.  This may sound selfish to some, but it has been imperative in my healing.  For sensitive souls and empaths, like many of you reading this, our kindness gets taken advantage of and we end up giving too much of ourselves.  Constantly overextending ourselves and taking care of others while neglecting our own needs depletes us emotionally and physically. 

I have spent a lot of time reflecting these past few months and I am incredibly grateful to have healed anxiety.  A major part of healing anxiety has been unwavering self-care, which comes from a place of fierce self-love. This holiday season I have been able to turn inwards and identify my own wants and needs. 

This season I no longer say “yes” out of obligation.  It is not my responsibility to make others happy.  It never was my responsibility.  In fact, that pattern of pleasing others takes my away my power.  Instead I say “yes” to what supports my growth.   

The past 4 years, since moving closer to extended family, my family and I have travelled either for Christmas or Thanksgiving.  Visiting our families over either holiday has been exhausting for many reasons.  This year we decided to take a break and spend both holidays at our home.  My husband and I have had so much going on this past year, that we needed a chance to catch our breath.  Our Thanksgiving was beautiful.  It was peaceful and quiet (as much as it can be with 3 kids).  We all helped out in the kitchen and made our favorite dishes.  Our kids loved it and so did my husband and I. 

A woman who I throw pottery with knew that my family and I were calling a time out this holiday season.  After her hectic Thanksgiving with more than 20 people at her home, she said she was taking a cue from me and spending Christmas with just her immediate family.  She said Thanksgiving exhausted her and she needed a break. Honoring ourselves is the sometimes the best gift we can give because we set an example for others to cherish themselves as well. 

It has felt so good this holiday season to give myself permission to prioritize myself.  To make decisions based on what feels right to me.  To have released myself from the expectations of others has been freeing.  My needs are valid.  I am important.  I am worthy of love and respect not only this holiday season but always.  And so are you. 

Lots of love to you!