It's The Most Wonderful Time of The Year...

or is it?

For some of us, we're feeling the squeeze of our cultures expectations, to shop, to eat, to bake, to GO!
For others, this holiday season may hold fears and sorrow. This might be the 1st holiday season without a loved one or it's a holiday full of change.
For some, you're just mad because it's the most wonderful time of the year and you're on a diet!

The great news of this holiday is that you have a choice. No matter what your circumstances, this holiday season can be one you look back on a remember that your soul(mind, will and emotions) was fed! This can be the year that you blaze a new trail! You can chose to have this holiday season look different and be wonderful all at the same time!

As we look together at making this the most wonderful time of the year, I thought I'd help you take a look at some holiday goals for body, soul and spirit!

BODY:
What are your physical goals in the next 4 weeks? What will you weigh on Christmas day? What will you weigh on Jan 1st 2012? Be specific. Set those goals.
How many times are you going to exercise between now and 2012? The benefits of exercise are so important all year, but especially during the holidays.Exercise;
Brightens your mood
Causes you to sleep better
Burns calories
Feeds your soul if you exercise with a friend!

SOUL: (Remember, your soul is made up of your mind, will and emotions)
You can spend your holiday season stuffing yourself with food and still feel empty...or you can work to fill up emotionally and feel more full than you've ever felt! What does it look like to set emotional goals?

How will you spend your holidays? What activities with family and friends can you do this year to feel your soul? Our community is full of events that feed the soul with music and theater during the holidays. Start traditions with your family that bring you closer together this holiday season.
Set a goal to give this holiday season! Studies have shown that the brain activity when giving, is associated with the parts of the brain that enjoy food and sexual activity! Want a warm glow this holiday season??? Give often!

Take the time to reflect on your year. Make a list of the things that happened in 2011 that you are grateful for. Start looking ahead to your goals for 2012! Feeding your emotions takes time and purposeful planning!

Cozy up with a good book.(fill your holiday season with stories of hope, miracles and fun!)

SPIRIT:
Tis the season, to look at the spiritual part of you! Some ideas to revive your spirit during the holidays;
Look at a daily devotional to start your day now through Jan 1st.

Attend a Christmas Eve service that you've not attended before, invite a friend to join you.

If you celebrate Christmas, read the Christmas story for yourself. Luke 2:1-20

Record your prayers for the rest of the month.

What ever you do this holiday season, be purposeful about your goals; body, soul and spirit. I promise if you look for ways to feed your soul, you'll feel full all month long.

I am convinced that this weight loss journey has little to do with food and everything to do with being full.

It is the most wonderful time of the year!

Always encouraging you,
Letha