Happy December, everyone!

I woke up to a beautiful and snowy day. The morning sunlight was bright as it reflected on the quiet snow. I wanted to stay in bed all day and read, but hey, good living was calling me.

Arriving with the snow was an earlier start and faster pace to my morning routine. The sidewalk needed to be shoveled. Boots, gloves, hats, and snow pants (in the right sizes) had to be located. Traffic was not good. The roads were slippery and I could feel the energy around me moving me into a direction I did not want, nor intend, to go.

Instead of working myself into a “must get there on time” kerfuffle, I told myself, out loud, “Breathe.” My daughter wanted to know to whom I was speaking, and I responded, “Oh, I’m just calming your mother down and reminding her to breathe.”

Everyone got where they needed to be, and yes, we arrived late. And guess what happened? Nothing.

There was no major catastrophe. The world did not stop rotating. The time police didn’t issue me a ticket, and I continued with my intention of having a good living day. I took 10 minutes to sit in silence before I started my work – and my day has moved along calmly without any hiccups.

As you move forward, through the month of December, take a moment to set intentions that provide the balance you need during the holiday season. Many people get swept up into the whirlwind of “gotta do” at this time of year. They shift the focus from taking care of themselves to pleasing others. Not enough attention is paid to nurturing or tending to their own needs.

I’m a big proponent of 10 minute time-outs. That’s just the right amount of time I need to get myself back on my good living track. If I have more time – I’ll use it, but I cannot argue myself out of taking 10 minutes off – no matter how frazzled I may be.

If you find yourself feeling jammed up, off beat, breathing shallowly – or not have a good living day – go on a 10 minute time-out. Use this technique to keep your December festive and merry.

Here’s my list of ten 10 minute time-outs to get you going.

1. Do nothing for 10 minutes
2. Go for a 10 minute walk
3. Make a playlist, that’s 10 minutes long, and select songs that improve your mood or help you relax
4. Take 10 minutes to write down all your accomplishments for that day
5. Spend 10 minutes reading an inspirational book
6. Meditate for 10 minutes
7. Stretch or do yoga poses for 10 minutes
8. Hula hoop for 10 minutes
9. Take 10 minutes to make a relaxation collage – that has images of things or words that calm you
10. Use 10 minutes to write a love letter to yourself – and then mail it to yourself

Let me know how you use your 10 minute time-outs. I’m always looking for new ideas!

PO Box 270916 Louisville, CO 80027 / kaneshabaynard {@} gmail {dot} com

image