As we head into the holidays, we are juggling so much. The important piece is finding those ways to connect with yourself.  The more grounded we feel the more we can connect with others.

I was reminded of the importance of this on our recent trip travelling throughout BC.  For more on my learnings on the importance of downtime, this is the link to the piece sharing our journey.

When we find those way to slow down and connect with ourselves we can find those ways to show up and be our authentic selves.  Sometimes that means saying no.

In the busyness of our lives we need to learn to ask ourselves:

“What do I need in this moment?”

I have these commitments coming up how I can connect with myself?

For me that is often getting out in nature and having transition time between each commitment.

Earlier this year we took a six week road trip throughout BC.  One piece of our trip was spending time in the Cariboo.  Things did not go according to plan.  We spent time in a part of BC that had been devastated by forest fires and was seriously disrupted.  The interesting piece was now so many things were starting to come back.  Growth was happening.

In stepping back to pause we discover those ways to connect.  This helps us make decisions around what we will continue to do and those things we will step back from.

As you begin your week consider are you saying yes to what will nourish you and fill you up?

Are there commitments you have made that will require more energy?

What rituals can you incorporate into your day so you can show up as your best self?

What commitments have you made that are just not possible?  Learning to say no to others, is part of building connection with ourselves.

This is often means carefully considering what you will say yes to.

A few ideas:

Begin your day by taking time to pause.  That could be with a meditation, a reflection, reading a book or going for a walk.

Capture all your commitments, including the baking and shopping you will do, in your calendar and build in transition time, a minimum of 30 minutes, between each commitment.  Then reflect on your calendar.

Are all the commitments achievable?

Do you need to consider what you will say yes to.

Everything you say yes to, you are saying no to something else.

Are there commitments you can postpone to the New Year?

Find the ways to incorporate more rest in your day.

Look at your relationship with technology.  Choose the time you will step away from screens and put your phone on silent.

Making choices on ways to invest in ourselves begins by creating space to connect with ourselves.

What choices will you make?

Be kind.

Be patient.

Be nourished in all you do.

At The Nourished Executive we coach leaders to invest in wellbeing, with a holistic lens, to prevent burnout.

Our founder, Sharon K. Summerfield,  is a Wellbeing Coach,  Holistic Nutritionist and Certified Smart Growth Advisor, with a demonstrated success in nurturing healthy employees and high performing organizations. 

We have a strong commitment to giving back, investing and supporting local community.