She's strong but she's exhausted

Are you feeling it, too?

Almost every client I’ve spoken to this week has that look in their eyes and sound in their voice, “just a couple more days.”

Most of us have barreled through this season, not heeding the September buzz warning, and are about to hit the breaking point. Only a couple more days until Thanksgiving in America and a long weekend, and then the holidays and hopefully more downtime.

Until then? There’s a lot of hanging-by-a-thread going on.

If that’s you, please know you’re not alone, more candy or coffee will not help, and though you are strong you really really really don’t have to do it all.

What else?

• Take something off your list.

• Ask for help, and accept it when it’s offered.

• Schedule hourly breaks to look out the window.

• Run, walk, jump up and down, dance. Punching bag, anyone?

• Smile and laugh often. Faking it counts.

• Talk out your stress with someone who will listen.

• Lean into your self-care routines.

Hang in there, friend. I believe in you.

A simple thanks-giving activity

It's nearly the season of turkey and twinkle lights here in the U.S.

And the season of plans, parties, year-end everything and exhaustion.  

In the spare moments between rushing around to fit it all in, here's a simple activity to remind yourself what this time of year is really about.

First, a quote shared by Gratefulness.org. If you aren't already receiving them, their daily emails feel like a meditative practice. 

Now, the activity:

1. Ask yourself: Who has rekindled your inner light?
2. Imagine their smiling faces in front of you. 
3. Smile back at them. While driving in your car, riding public transportation or standing in a check-out line let a real smile wash over your face and send them appreciation and love.

BONUS: Send them a message thanking them for the role they've played in your life.   

THE BEST BONUS OF ALL: Hug them like you mean it. 

The bonuses are if you want to take this practice further, but the potency is in the thought itself. Step 3. Your thoughts are powerful - we talk about that a lot. You can do nothing else and a profound change will have happened, within you and them.

These friends, colleagues and loved ones deserve your appreciation. They may have seen you through a dark time or been a constant presence you could count on. Your smiling thoughts and warm virtual or physical embrace could be what they need. More than you know.

Who has rekindled your inner light?

I'd love to hear your stories. Comment below, email me or tag your loved ones on my Instagram post.

Wherever you are in the world and however you celebrate this time of year, know how grateful I am for your presence in the Simply Leap community. Your ideas and encouragement - your light - has rekindled mine countless times.

I'm smiling at you right now.