The End of an Era...

I'd like to say that this was going to be some very meaningful, deep blog post.

It's not.

It's simply to say that my daughter finally copped to not believing in Santa Claus. A mere two weeks ago she said she did. Getting that admission wasn't hard - the hard part was getting her to say why she had changed her answer.

After much interrogation (very light-hearted of course), she admitted it was for the presents. I'm pretty sure that is the answer that every child - when pushed - gives. That they want you to believe that they believe so they don't miss out on the goodies.

I'm not so sure adults are much different.

Saving face, saving feelings, making do with the expected norms. Usually, we do it so we don't upset the status quo. But that could be the equivalent of adult presents - it can be so much easier to follow the path and keep getting the goods than to try something new.

To tell the kids or the boss or your spouse "No" and actually mean it - in the context of you coming first.

To feel that connection with your friends and family as you really turn off the work thoughts and demands at the end of the day or the week.

To truly feel a joy and a balance in your life instead of cramming it all in - and then having it jump out at you like a trick can of worms.

Having all that may indeed feel like Santa is here after all.

What you are doing this holiday season to make yourself happier, more joyful, more at peace?

Here Come the Holidays!

Officially, we are in HOLIDAY SEASON! Thanksgiving has come and gone as has Black Friday and Cyber Monday.

Do the holidays fill you with anxiety and a whole new round of to-do lists or are you energized by spending more time with family and friends?

Do you find your energy lagging as the days get shorter, the food gets more plentiful, more sugar-y and more tempting?

Yep. The holiday season is in full swing. Why not take advantage of it and swing through it with style, energy, vitality and even stronger relationships?

Think it is not possible? Try these quick tips and see how you feel even by the end of this week.

• Breathe. Several times a day - whether you feel stressed or not - breathe in and out slowly (to the count of 10). Close your eyes if you can. It calms you and energizes you at the same time.
• Drink...water. The air is drier. The alcohol and caffeine are around more. All that spells dehydration...and big energy drains. An extra glass or two of water goes along way. I like mine with lemon and lime!
• Take just a taste of your most favorite food stuffs. That means 1-3 bites. And then stop. And walk away. Far away. Unless you have much better willpower than most people, distance is a great thing and can be your biggest ally.

I know these sound easy and very common. I didn't say that these were groundbreaking nutrional insights. But they are all totally doable - and they really do make a difference.

What is your favorite tip for keeping your energy up during the holidays?