December 2022
Every year it surprises me just how busy we get in term four and just how quickly Christmas rolls around. Yet again here we are at the end of another year. A year full of highs, lows, ups, downs and many a curve ball.
Personally I believe the most important thing now is to take time to think about how we can look after ourselves over the holidays. How can we make the most of this time to reset and rejuvenate our minds and bodies?
Whether it's enjoying our family, friends, pets or alternatively enjoying time on our own.
Something I try to do all year is make time to do the things that I know help me to thrive. Things like physical exercise, meditation and time with our horses. This long holiday can be a fantastic opportunity to commit to the things you love and try out things you’ve been wanting try. Can you commit to one new thing per week? Even one new thing for the entire holiday will empower you in so many ways.
I know personally I get to this time of the year and find I have been rushing around, busy and not necessarily being present. Not taking the time to enjoy the last weeks with my class or even with my own family.
At the beginning of the holidays I always enjoy taking some time for reflection on the past year both personally and professionally.
What have I achieved?
What has surprised me?
Was I who said I wanted to be at the beginning of the year?
What obstacles have I overcome? How have I invested in myself, my personal growth, my happiness?
Reflecting on some of the ideas above gives me the opportunity to look back and see the achievements I’ve made and gain a better perspective on how I have grown over the year. Often we can be surprised by just how much we’ve achieved when we actually sit down and think about where we were at the beginning of the year.
Perhaps at the same time or perhaps even in another month's time when feeling more rested and energized about the year ahead it can be really beneficial to look at some of the questions above but with a future focus.
What do I want to achieve?
What character strengths do I want to develop over the next year?
How do I want to feel about myself personally and professionally this year?
What learning would I like to take part in?
How can I be a positive member of my team and help others?
