Dear friend,

Happy almost end of January. I've always found January to be a challenging month, just making it through, with its early setting sun, is a feat. All I want to do is curl up on the couch and do nothing. I always feel as though I've dropped the ball by not setting some lofty goals. But is that the most important thing, big goals? My answer is no; I think it's better to make one shift in the right direction.

Now that January is almost over, and the days are getting longer, I'm ready to set intentions for this year. And that's exactly what I'm doing. I'm committed to sending one email per week focusing on a common monthly goal, dialed in with purpose. And I was thinking you might want to join me.

So here is my plan for you and me. Let’s start with the yearly theme:

THIS IS MY YEAR.

Not in a selfish way, but in a way that helps us be our best. We will focus this year on ourselves in a way that helps us remember how important we are to all those around us. And especially how important we are to ourselves. Isn’t it high time we took care of ourselves as well as all the other people and details in our lives?

We spend many hours each day taking care of business at home, at work, with friends, and in our communities. We listen to and help meet the needs of others all day long, which is our gift to the world around us. We are wired to help others, take care of our families, take care of our friends, and do all we can at work. But at the end of each day, we flop down in bed having used up all our reserves. We must take care of ourselves because we can’t pour from an empty vessel. And if you have ever flown on an airplane, you have heard them say - put the oxygen mask on yourself first. So let’s make that our intention this year.

I will be emailing you each week with something to focus on. And over the course of the year, you will experience ideas and build skills that will support you so that you can do all you do.

To start with, we have two weeks left in January, so let’s begin our journey with a simple nighttime routine that is just for you. Maybe you already do this, so all you need to do is focus on the fact that you are setting aside “Me Time.” Here is an example of what I am talking about. It doesn’t have to take much time, just focus on the fact that you deserve some luxury, even if that is just being alone with your own thoughts, and even if it is just for a moment.

DO THIS…
Start by taking care of your hands. These are your most important tools; they allow you to do so many things, most importantly nails. And they are often overlooked. Being short on time, as I am sure you are, start by massaging oil into your cuticles and all over your hands. Massage the muscles in your hand so that you feel the soothing feeling you are creating. While doing this, focus on all the fun your hands provide you and then think of something you are proud of that you do with your hands.

THINK THIS…
Did you bring joy to a client? Do you hug your children with these hands? Do you hold the hand of a loved one? What do they create? What do they nurture?

This simple and quick exercise does two amazing things. It brings you a sense of relaxation and self-care, and it also aligns that moment with positive thoughts, pride, and self-confidence. This routine will help you realize you are loved and nurtured by you, which is the most important place to start; especially in a world that can seem overwhelming at times.

All my best,

Liz