It's the end of the year...Please Go Easy on Yourself...

As the end of the year approaches, one tip I’d propose to take into the New Year is find a way to go easy on yourself.

Generally speaking, the majority of people who come to see me, do so typically for one of two reasons (it can of course be both reasons combined).

1/ They are feeling overwhelmed by some external crisis that’s impacted them and is out of their control.

or

2/ Feelings they have turned inwards and are bringing stress upon themselves (for example, elements of blame, shame, guilt etc).

I appreciate the statement ‘go easy on yourself’ is easier said than done, however it is my experience that we can often be our own worst enemies and come down heavily on ourselves, beat ourselves up, call ourselves name and do or say things to ourselves that we would never dream of doing/saying to a friend – so why not treat ourselves with the same respect and dignity we’d have for anyone else in a similar situation?

Think about this, as that’s what I mean when I suggest to go easy on yourself. What occurred has happened and whilst it is important to reflect and if appropriate ‘make peace’, it’s also about finding the best way of managing life in front and ahead and this (along with ‘making peace’) will be easier to do if you’re not coming down on yourself heavily (which can potentially hold you back…imagine a heavy weight on you…how difficult is it to move when carrying such weight…how much easier when that weight is lifted (even slightly)…some of this weight will be external factors…some may be of your own making…this is what you have control over….).

What are you most proud of in yourself over the past 12 months? Bask in your glory. Let it wash over you. What feelings and emotions arise when you think about this and pay attention to where in your body they settle. It’s December and a New year/beginning is just round the corner. Sure, some of the old stuff that’s lingering will follow us over and we can see it will likely be another challenging year in many respects, however leave whatever you can on this side and make a pact with yourself to ‘where possible, go easy on yourself’ and see what impact this has for you in the weeks, months and years to come.

This can be a very difficult time of the year for many. Say yes to things you wish to attend and no to others which will cause you stress. Look after yourself.

Wishing you and your loved ones peace and good health over the holiday season and into 2022