Self-care during the holidays may seem a bit out of reach.  With kids home, wonky work schedules, and the limitations we all face, your only option may be to let it slide and just call it a day…or year.  

As tempting as that may seem, I want to suggest we all have a responsibility to protect and practice true self-care during the holidays.  It will likely be what allows us all to finish strong and have grace and compassion for ourselves and others.  

This might sound a bit dramatic due to confusion around what true self-care really is.  With that said, I’d like to share my thoughts on self-care and how we can create space  for it amidst the chaos of the season.  

Unfortunately, society has taught us a version of self-care that falls drastically short in terms of actually promoting deep care and restoration.  It makes sense to me that many of us have lost hope in it or see it as indulgent and even selfish.  Spa treatments, retail therapy, and wine nights to take the edge off might appear to work temporarily, however they fail to support our process in any lasting change.  They can also get really expensive! Don’t get me wrong, I’m a huge proponent of pampering and celebrating, yet we need to be clear about the fact that these are not the same as self-care.  

So, if these self-care imposters temporarily boost our spirits (or appearances) yet leave  us feeling just as empty as before, don’t you think it’s time we take a deeper look at what real self-care looks like? 

Life continues to present us with challenges, especially throughout the holidays as expectations run high and certainty—low.    We need a brand of self-care that will help us stay present as opposed to escaping our lives…One that will connect us to more compassion, energy, perspective, balance and grace in order to move through the tough times and even thrive amidst the chaos.  

I believe self-care is a process of befriending yourself.  Much like self-compassion, it’s showing yourself the heartfelt care and support you’d show a loved one in need.  It’s learning to speak to yourself with a softer tone.  It’s developing practices that promote connection rather than isolation.  

If self-care starts with befriending yourself—speaking kindly to yourself—and grows from there to a practice of bringing balance and restoration to your mind, body, and spirit, I’ve got great news:

The initial work of self-care then becomes what I like to call “kind conversations.”  It’s speaking to yourself with a gentle tone instead of a harsh one.  It’s telling yourself those  things you need to hear and becoming more and more aware of the automatic dialog happening in your head.  It’s starving out the inner critic that keeps us stuck in scarcity. 

If you aren’t quite sure what you need to  hear, I’ve got some ideas…nine specifically.  They align with your Enneagram type.  

Type 1: You are good! You’re doing such a great job.

Type 2: You are loved and chosen just for who you are.  Your needs matter. 

Type 3: You are loved and valuable for being you.  There’s nothing you could do to change that.  

Type 4: You are seen and known for who you are.  You are special. 

Type 5: Your needs are important.  It’s okay for you to be comfortable.

Type 6: You are safe and secure.  You can trust yourself.

Type 7: You are taken care of.  The present moment is a safe place for you to be.  

Type 8: Other people can be trusted.  You will not be betrayed.

Type 9: Your presence matters in this world.  Your voice needs to be heard!

Take these type-specific messages and build out some kind conversations from there.  

So, my Dear, next time you make up a story in your head that there’s simply no time for self-care, remember that self-care isn’t about taking time out, it’s taking time back.  Kind conversations will only build a strong self-care foundation and make your time this holiday more special…and sweet.

P.S. By the way, have you signed up for the Self-Care Workshop???