Weekend Design & Wellness Project

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Holiday Planning & Preparation

Photo by: Denise Johnson @auntneecey

The weekends of other months are for sleeping in, running errands or completing projects around the house. Weekends in December are for all of those things in addition to decorating, holiday grocery shopping, playing refrigerator tetras, mailing, shipping, meltdowns and purchasing or making gifts. All of that while trying to fit in some seasonal outdoor fun like going to Longwood Gardens in Pennsylvania.

Here are some questions to help choose the best gifts for everyone on your list:

  1. What do they talk about frequently? Racing cars, golf, books, cooking, pottery…there are online classes, adventure experiences and online magazine subscriptions for almost anything.

  2. What is their favorite snack? Gift basket with a mixture of their favorite items

  3. Where are they from? Hometown or nostalgic memorabilia or specialty items for the transplants in your life. They will definitely appreciate receiving a piece of home as a gift.

    This is a good start to get the gift ideas flowing. Before you know it, the list will be completed and you will be anxious to see your loved ones reactions upon opening such uniquely personal gifts. We shall call this, confident gift giving.

    Remember, making gifts personal will mean much more to someone over being expensive and temporary.

Winter Solstice

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The shortest day and longest night of the year was believed to be the sun’s “rebirth,” on the following morning. The Northern Hemisphere experiences winter while the Southern Hemisphere moves into summer. The earth and its cyclical changes impact human life both positively and negatively. The darkness induces depression for some people while the colder temperatures invigorate others. To create a bit of winter balance, here is a guided meditation to inspire a sense of “rebirth” in your life. Below the image is a link to an upcoming meditation set for December 17th, 2021 so be sure to set a reminder.

This is a great time to set simple yet achievable goals starting before the new year as we all know how well that works. These mini goals will serve as a distraction or a tour guide around emotional black holes. For anyone who thrives in the winter season, this meditation will provide validation and encouragement to keep going. There are thirteen days until the winter solstice on December 21st so start mentally preparing a self-care and mental health practice. These meditations are a great way to get started. How can you nurture yourself and what can you do to transition into a new and sometimes challenging season?

Photo by: Denys Nevozhai @dnevozhai

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

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Photo by: Markus Winkler @markuswinkler

Time to gather used items, clothing, home decor, technology, art and furniture to donate to charities or swap with friends and family.

Decluttering, purging and donating creates room for new items or space to enjoy a simpler lifestyle for the new year. Sometimes having less on purpose can bring a sense of abundance simply by having room in your life available. It makes cleaning a whole lot quicker too. Think about what you can live without and remove it from your life. You may find some inner peace in the process.

Feel Like Royalty

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Photo by: Ian Murphy @ianmurphy

Have you ever had a moment when you’re sitting in your in your home and happen to glance around and are filled with a sense that you feel so abundant? Chances are, you have a roof over your head, clothing in your closet, shoes for your feet, plenty of food in the pantry and even a car to get you to work or anywhere you’d like to go. Now, those specific items my not be the most expensive, top-of-the-line, couture material possessions, but if you scrap the labels, you have more than you need to survive.

Personal story, when I lived in San Diego, my apartment was under 500 square feet, but in my favorite neighborhood. The location and proximity to what I needed made up for the lack of space. One day after cleaning my tiny abode, I laid on my “sofa” (it was actually patio furniture since I couldn't fit even a small loveseat) when I had a sense of overwhelming abundance come over me. I thought I was delirious for a moment, but I kept looking around my apartment with awe as if I were in Versailles. I felt like the wealthiest queen in all the land. It was such a great feeling, my abundance and gratitude exceeded the confines of my walls. That strange feeling came over me quite often after that. Now, it is easy for me, no mater where I live to feel the same limitlessness. I have realized that it’s how I perceive the space around me and I am perpetually grateful for my life, its phases and many experiences.

Now, it’s your turn and the challenge is to sit or walk around your home and really take in all the details of your home and personal items. Think of how hard you have worked for each and every piece that makes up your life, family and home. Allow yourself to feel proud of what you have overcome throughout your life. It doesn’t matter if you’re not where you want to be, you don’t need to get “there” in order to be content right now. Enjoy this very moment.

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

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Photo by: Markus Winkler @markuswrinkler

Sharing natural skills and talents makes humans feel alive with a purpose. This weekend, share what comes natural to you, a recipe, a favor, a book, a kind gesture or something that could use a quick fix. Everyone has a skill or talent so dig deep and get to sharing!