No, you’re not crazy. It’s just the holidays!

Time to bring everything outside inside.  So, I took one last swing on my hammock in the autumn chill and sunshine today for the last time in 2014.

Surveying the dead and crunchy leaves around me — leaves that were tender green shoots only months ago — I began to feel sad about the passage of time.

I got teary thinking about holidays past with treasured relatives who are long gone.

Then, I began to panic about everything I need to accomplish before the end of the year.  Before you know it, I was in the middle of an end-of-the-year, melt-down muddle!

As the year closes in, are you feeling sad, or pressured, or as though things are falling apart?  Or, are people around you melting down?

If so, it is not in their imagination, or yours, or mine!  Talk to any therapist who will tell you that stress is more pronounced this time of the year than any other.

The pressure of holidays coming so close together, tied with deadlines to wrap up the year and start a new one, can leave you feeling like you’re running a marathon on a hamster wheel!

Add to it the expectation that we are to be happy and of good cheer during this time of year when biologically we were designed to withdraw and hibernate — and no wonder holiday times can take a toll on us.

So, as many of us gather this week for Thanksgiving, it’s a good time to remember what can give you comfort, lift you up, and keep you sane:

  •  Hug and kiss the ones you love the most and tell them exactly what you love and appreciate about them. (“You bring me so much joy and I feel so cared about by you.”)
  • Graciously say “no” to more things than you said “yes” to. (“That’s a lovely offer and I wish we could but we can’t.”)
  • Take stock of all the good or great things you did or that happened this year (I bet you can find at least 50 terrific things that made proud or made you smile in 2014. Make a list, invite others to join you, then share and celebrate each other’s good news and achievements.)
  • Find someone to talk to who will listen to you express your feelings without giving you unasked for advice. (Friend, relative, colleague, therapist!)
  • Sit with a friend and listen to them share their own feelings of “holiday crazy.” (Your chance to let them know they’re not!)
  • Schedule naps and down time now for the next month. Keep your tank full and the holidays will be easier. (Extra points for inspiring others to do the same! Double extra points for naps with pets and babies.)
  • Focus your time and attention on the people who are most important to you.

On the Women on Fire monthly members’ LIVE CHAT recently, we talked about a special process to help you focus your time and energy to get the most joy during the holidays. It starts with making a list of the 8-10 people who are THE most important of all and putting your time and attention on them!

  • Reach out to someone who is lonely – and let them know you’re thinking about them.
  • Vow to create a peaceful home and stress-free environment. (Your home is your sanctuary. What needs to happen to make it an oasis this holiday season? What is one thing you can do right now to make it more peaceful?)
  • Take time to be grateful.  (Nothing shifts my mood faster than keeping a daily gratitude list.)

Have a beautiful week.  I hope you find yourself at peace and celebrating in ways that uplift you.

I will be on Martha’s Vineyard for Thanksgiving with my husband Rob and close friends — and am looking very forward to a relaxing time, creating new memories with people I love.

That tinkling sound you’ll hear?  It will be me toasting you!

For all your love and support and my enormous gratitude that you are in this amazing circle of fabulous women (and quite a few men) making the world a better place.

Love,

Debbie Signature

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You’ll never guess what we’re giving away…

How would you like to slip into one of the most luxurious spas in the country, receive a world-class massage, relax in a hot tub, sauna and plunge pool, soak in the sun on a private deck — and then leave with a gift of exquisite products – for free?

Sneak peek at The Waldorf Astoria Spa in Naples

We thought so!

So we have a plan for you:-)

You are eligible to win when you attend the Women on Fire retreat in Naples, Florida at The Waldorf-Astoria beachside resort on February 28-March 1, 2014!  (And if you’re not yet registered, you can STILL win. Please go here.)

Register for the retreat by January 23, 2014 and have the opportunity to win this fabulous gift. You will receive:

*Your spa package can be claimed during the weekend of the retreat or saved for a later date.

Inside the exquisite Waldorf Astoria Spa

Here’s how to be eligible to win:

First…
You must be registered to attend the Women on Fire retreat weekend Ignite Your Life—and Soar. If you have yet to officially register, please do so here! You have until TOMORROW Monday, January 20, 2014 to receive our lowest pricing 🙂

Next…
Share the Women on Fire retreat page link — www.wofretreat.com — on your Facebook page, and tell us why you are excited to attend. Be sure to tag the Women on Fire Facebook Fan page @WomenOnFire so we can see that you posted.

*If you aren’t a fan of Women on Fire on Facebook yet, you can “Like” our page by clicking here!

Example post

Sample text– feel free to copy this directly or write your own:

I can’t wait to attend the Women on Fire retreat in Naples, FL from February 28-March 1, 2014 at the Waldorf Astoria resort! It’s my favorite time to connect with all the fabulous women in this supportive community and to take some much needed time for myself! Who’s coming with me? http://wofretreat.com/

*If you do copy and paste, after you’ve pasted make sure to go back and retype the Women on Fire tag @WomenOnFire so we are notified before you post it live!

OR

Send an email inviting one (or more) women to join you at the Women on Fire retreat. Make sure to send them the link to the retreat info page at www.wofretreat.com, and bcc meredith@womenonfire.com so we can keep track of how many personal emails you have sent.

*Don’t forget we are extending the discounted members registration rate to guests of current Women on Fire members!

Entry details:

You will receive one entry for every Facebook post and email that you send. Keep in mind that each Facebook post and email must follow the above guidelines to be officially counted.

Deadline:

You have until January 23, 2014 to enter to win this luxurious spa package valued at over $300.
The winner will be selected and announced in The Spark! on January 25, 2014.

By attending the retreat, you will be taking time to focus on you, celebrate yourself and the women attending, and receive the inspiration, strategies and support that will keep you thriving and moving toward goals and dreams all year long!

So we are thrilled to give away the ultimate gift of relaxation to help you on your journey and to make your weekend even more magical! Good luck and keep an eye out for your name (fingers crossed) in The Spark! on January 25!  Happy posting.