Is it time for a break?
What are you waiting for?
Welcome to a new week!
Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving weekend! We enjoyed EVERY minute - time with family, time with friends, big meals + long runs.
I’m starting the new week with a full heart + SO much gratitude.
As we officially move on toward Christmas + New Year’s, this is the perfect time to take a deep breath + zoom out for just a minute.
Welcome to The LIFT
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TAKING A BREAK
Since I started publishing The LIFT in 2021, I have always taken the month of December off of publishing + writing. My original rationale was to give myself the extra time to enjoy my family + all of the extra stuff that goes on throughout the month. It also gives me a chance to tie up loose ends + do a little planning for the year ahead.
Taking the time off of publishing The LIFT that first year didn’t seem like that big of a deal since I had just started publishing in September. No one would really even notice if I took a break.
But with each year, it gets a little harder. I dread stepping away. I hate to give up the momentum. I hate to let go of the weekly practice of writing. I miss having the opportunity to connect with you here on Sundays.
When December rolls around, I question whether I should take the break or just keep going.
Do I really NEED a break? Do WE need a break?
This year, I almost talked myself out of it. I have the bandwidth + the time to write this month. I have the inspiration + energy. I have absolutely no reason to take a break.
But, I am.
DON’T WAIT
I received word this week that a colleague passed away suddenly + unexpectedly. She was too young to go. She had just gotten married. Recently started a new job. Moved to a new city. So much life ahead of her.
Anytime you lose someone, it makes you pause + remember how fragile + unpredictable life is.
More often than not, we are each plowing along through our lives, assuming tomorrow will be there. Going through the motions. Cramming as much as we can into every moment of our day.
We forget to step back + marvel at how blessed we truly are. To zoom out + see the bigger picture. To realize that all of the stress, responsibilities + tasks we bury ourselves in - they are just fleeting moments.
Most of us don’t give ourselves a break until something interrupts our juggling act. Until we drop a plate or two. Until it all comes crashing down.
If we could learn to take a break BEFORE we need it, I think we would be better off. Don’t you?
I definitely have the tendency to run myself ragged. I always feel like I can do more - better. I don’t want to waste a minute of time. I want constant improvement + growth.
December is one of those months where you can feel that pressure. There are extra events on the calendar. Extra things to do. There is also the self-induced pressure of wrapping up those projects + goals that were set back at the first of the year. And, to start thinking about the new year ahead.
That is why I decided December was the month to take off - slow down + cut back. To make a little extra room in my calendar + space for my own creativity.
What I am realizing this year is that even though I don’t feel that pressure in my calendar or output, taking a break is healthy. It makes you appreciate what you have. It breaks up your routine. It brings in new perspectives. It allows you to zoom out. To let go. To breathe.
I don’t NEED a break. I’m just taking one.
What a concept!
UNTIL THEN
For the next two weeks, The LIFT will be a round-up of previous posts. I will share both YOUR favorites + mine from this year. I hope you enjoy the chance to catch up on any issues you have missed or resources I have shared that you haven’t had a chance to dig into.
Keep an eye out for those.
Until then, here is the last challenge I have for you in 2023…
YOUR MISSION:
This month, I challenge you to take a break. Somewhere. Somehow. Give yourself the break you don’t think you deserve. The break you don’t have time for. Give yourself the break you don’t even think you need.
I know you’re capable of doing more. You don’t NEED the break. You will survive.
Maybe you can’t afford the luxury of a break right now. But, I invite you to take it anyway.
IN SUMMARY:
Keep an eye out for next week’s 2023 roundup. Until then, please know how grateful I am for you. I can’t wait to see you in the New Year.
Happy Holidays!
If you have some health goals for yourself in the new year + need some help getting there, please reach out. You don’t have to struggle alone with that stuff. Let me help you break down your goals into a simple, step-by-step framework that you can easily implement so you don’t find yourself disappointed or frustrated with your progress (or lack of) at the end of next year.
You can schedule a complimentary discovery call with me here.
See you next year?
Meanwhile - you can read thru the archives here. And, please reach out to me anytime!
Email: karen@itmaybemenopause.com
Instagram: @itmaybemenopause
🥰🤗❤️ Happy Holidays karen! Enjoy your well-deserved break! ❤️
I really needed this Lift so thank you!!!