Last week I presented to a group on the topic of surviving thriving during the holidays.  These people showed up because they care.  They care about their health, wellbeing, families & friends.  It was pretty cool that an entire room full of people came together on a dark November night to talk about this.

What does all of this have to do with eating?  EVERYTHING!  If you think that your thoughts, feelings, circumstances, environment don’t impact your eating then you are missing the boat in terms of awareness. 

I'm going to walk you through an activity that I had this group do:

So let’s step back for a moment.  Why did you choose recovery in the first place?  Write this down (I used notecards so they could easily tuck it in their pocket, purse, or stick it in a place that they would see it).  Don't skip this step, it's really important.  You need to identify WHY you are signing up for some things that are going to be difficult.  

I want you to keep this in a place where you’ll see it frequently throughout the holidays.  THIS is why you are here today.  THIS is why the things we are talking about are important.  THIS is why it’s worth doing these things that are hard.

On the other side of your notecard you are going to write 3 goals for navigating the holidays.  The title of this post may have made you think I was going to tell you what your goals should be.  Ha!  I don't think so!  YOU are going to set YOUR goals.  

I encourage you to pick one goal that is related to food and nourishing your body in a way that is life-enhancing and enjoyable (not restrictive!).  And then make the other 2 goals not related to food.  Stretch yourself here.  Make these goals SMART (Specific, Meaningful, Action-focused, Realistic, Timely).  

One of my goals this holiday season is a self-care practice of wishing well towards others, especially those with whom I find myself irritated (e.g. a driver who cuts me off, or the person in front of me at Target who is taking forever).  This doesn't take much time out of my day or cost any money.  But it totally shifts my mood from a place of irritability and edginess to peace and lovingkindness.  It's ridiculously simple and powerful.  I am making a point to wish good will towards at least 1 person each day.  

What are your goals for your recovery this holiday season?