Self Discovery During the Holidays

The holiday season is a fantastic time to embark on a journey of self-discovery. That might sound counter-intuitive, given the chaos and busyness that often accompany this time of year, but it can actually be the perfect backdrop for inner exploration...

While the holidays can be a very hectic time with parties and gatherings...finishing up projects at work, buying the gifts and wrapping presents, maybe even traveling, it's important to carve a little time our for yourself. I don't have any travel plans this year so this part should be easier...but I try to make space for this every year, when I take time in solitude to either walk in a quiet park, sip hot cocoa in my favorite chair or even in prayer or meditation in the morning.

When you manage to get this time to yourself, use it to pause and reflect on the year that is about to end. What were your highs and lows? What did you learn? If you don't already do it, now would be a great time to start a journal. Journaling can be a very therapeutic practice that really helps you gain clarity about your emotions and aspirations. You can use your journal to document your thoughts, feelings and experiences during the season.

I have kept a journal on and off my entire life...especially during stressful times, but also to "talk" about what I want from my life...my goals and dreams and visions. You can use your journal to gain insight into your personal growth and where you'd like to go next.

I am a firm believer in the power of goal-setting and may have mentioned in other posts that I set my goals on or around my birthday in October. I use the year-end period and my journal to take stock on where I am at this point. If, like most people, you do New Year's Resolutions instead, this is the perfect time to sit and think about what you want your next year to look like. Going into a new year with intention makes all the difference.

Work backwards from this time next year. When you're sitting in your favorite chair, drinking your hot cocoa at the end of 2024...what do you want your big wins to be? Where do you want to be in your life? What do you want to be doing? What do you want to have? What do you want to look like? Feel like? Use that as your stepping stones to set goals to get you there.

This is also a great time of year to explore new interests and maybe try something you've never done before. Maybe you take a class at the local craft store and make some holiday decorations...or a holiday themed cooking or baking class. If you're a regular at your gym, try switching it up and go for a hike instead - or vice versa. If you're typically a movie person, try a live performance. Go to museum. Pick up a book at a book store or library that is not something you would normally read. Broaden your horizons.

The holidays is also a perfect time volunteer and give back. Giving back to the community is not only a great way to spread cheer, but is also an avenue for self-discovery. Volunteering can help you connect with others, find a sense of purpose, and understand the joy of making a difference. The very first time I volunteered as an adult was when I first started working on Wall Street in the late 70's. This was a time before cell phones and unlimited dialing. Many people could not afford phones at all - let alone long distance or international calls. On Thanksgiving, our company opened its doors to all. It allowed people to come in - we served cocoa and cookies and allowed them to call their family and friends from our phones in the office. I will never forget doing that.

My schedule usually dictates what I am able to do, but I always try to do something. When I lived in Charlotte, I would often spend nights in front of the television during the year crocheting blankets. It kept my hands busy and snack free while "wasting" time in front of the TV. At Christmas time, I would take the blankets I had made, along with a tray of cookies from a local bakery and drop them at an assisted living facility.

Last year was a terrible year for me, and I didn't want to bring that energy into the new year. I traveled for Christmas, so before I left, I got a tray of goodies at the supermarket and brought them to a fire station. They were very appreciative, and it made me feel good. Doing something nice for someone else is a great way to get yourself out of a funk...and it really doesn't have to be a grand gesture at all.

Self-discovery is a lifelong journey, and the holiday season can be a beautiful part of it. Rather than dreading the coming months, embrace the unique opportunity this time of year offers for introspection, and let it guide you towards personal growth and a deeper understanding of yourself.

Sending you so much love!

#HolidayReflections #SelfDiscoveryJourney #GoHappyYourself