Let's sip and savor this last month of 2022

“Life goes by pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while you could miss it.” - Ferris Buller

This has always been one of my favorite lines from the iconic 80”s movie “Ferris Buller’s Day Off” and as I sat down to write this week’s Snack for you it seemed the perfect way to kick off the month of December. 

Oh December…a month that typically is overflowing with doing, going, and rushing. A month that can become overwhelming and stressful. And a month that can be triggering of losses and dredge up not so happy memories along with all the good cheer and twinkling lights.

I purposefully decided earlier this year that this December I would truly focus on slowing down and savoring. No travel, less gifts, and way more time with the ones I love simply enjoying experiences together.
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On my Instagram feed this morning I came across this from @anniethelibra and just loved it:

Isn’t that a lovely thought? So today I decided to offer you some simple ideas for how you can finish your year of 2022 a little softer and with more grace.

Here are 6 ways you can slow down and truly SAVOR LIFE:

1. FOCUS ON YOUR BREATH
   There is no better way to truly immerse in the present moment than by noticing and appreciating your breath. When you are feeling rushed or overwhelmed, stop and take 5 slow breaths in and out to a slow count of 5. This is a wonderful way to start and end your day, too.
2. PRACTICE GRATITUDE
   I know I’ve said it a time or two before, but this one deserves repeating. Practicing gratitude is truly transformational. It helps you increase your appreciation for life right now. It also helps you to detach from toxicity and negativity (yes that can definitely be present even at the holidays…). So try keeping a little gratitude journal or use a gratitude app to make a short list each day this month so you are setting yourself up to truly savor the good stuff.
3. BE PRESENT
   How often are you so caught up in either replaying the past, fast forwarding to the future, or just simply distracted by devices that you are anywhere by HERE? Take time this month to notice when your mind is on overload to PAUSE and bring yourself back to this moment. Use the mantra “Be Here Now” to open your eyes, mind, and heart to life right in front of you.
4. UNPLUG FOR A WHILE
   Pick an hour or two each day (or maybe even a whole weekend!) to truly unplug yourself from your devices. Let the family & friends know you are going dark and encourage them to follow your lead. You will be amazed what you notice when there isn’t a phone or a smart watch constantly buzzing at you!
5. EAT SLOWLY AND TRULY SAVOR YOUR COFFEE, TEA, or THAT YUMMY SPICED OLD FASHIONED (my personal fav!)
   We tend to do everything so quickly, even eating our food. Treat yourself to something worth savoring and purposefully slow down so you can appreciate it. Admire the taste, the smell, the texture and how it makes you feel. With so many yummy temptations around us at this time of year, we might as well fully savor each extra calorie we consume!
6. SPEND TIME WITH THE PEOPLE YOU LOVE
   Like I said at the top of this email, I’m focusing this month on experiences rather than stuff this year. Make a point to schedule some quality time with the people who light you up. Gather together to sip hot chocolate and wander the neighborhood looking at Christmas lights, get together for a game night, have everyone over to cook a special meal together, or get all dressed up and treat you and your bestie to a fancy cocktail at a frufru hotel or restaurant. It doesn’t need to be elaborate or expensive to be meaningful. I guarantee if you tell your special loved ones my gift to you this year is more time with ME, they will be very happy indeed!

May your December be overflowing with things to be grateful for, special moments to savor, and a whole lot of grace.