Compassion for the Holidays
3 Questions to Ask

How many times have you heard yourself say, “I just have to ‘get through’ the holidays”? On our monthly Group Coaching Call, the Well-Being Coaches shared how they plan to support their Self-Leadership this holiday and the practice of Compassion was a common theme. Practicing compassion for yourself can help you enjoy your holiday instead of just endure it. Read how three Coaches are doing just that and the questions you can ask yourself to do the same.

G wants his kindness to begin with himself by staying present to how he is feeling to prevent him from overcommitting his time and energy.

1. Is there something I need to say no to?

While it is always easier to take back a no instead of a yes, you can still renegotiate or ask for help in the interest of honoring your capacity and compassion. The Holidays require more energy and time than we often consider, so when you add something into your schedule, take something out, instead of piling on one more thing.

K wants to focus on spending quality time with her aging parents, instead of keeping busy trying to control everything and everyone in order to orchestrate the perfect visit.

2. What is most important to me this holiday?

One of my favorite holiday traditions is cutting down our tree in the National Forest, (even if our selection is a little big some years). To enjoy this annual family tradition, I block off the whole day instead of treating it like one more box to check off before I rush in to the next thing.

L has been “sickly” for the last month and is recommitting to prioritizing her sleep and downtime during the holiday.

3. How can I prioritize myself this holiday?

When you answer the first two questions, you create greater possibilities to feel energized instead of exhausted. Getting your basic needs met by keeping your sleep, exercise, and recovery schedule as consistent as possible is prioritizing yourself.

Self-Leadership is making the best decisions to feel good about yourself and what you do every day, especially during your most stressful and busy times, like the holidays. Compassion for yourself supports you to have a generous and open heart with more to give to everyone. The decision to be kind to yourself first is transformational because you experience everything differently when you feel differently.