Chapter 1: A Time for Reflection

As we approach the Christmas weekend, I find myself eager to unwind and enjoy the festive spirit. How about you? This season, I plan to cozy up indoors with Ruby, indulging in reading, delicious food, and simply relishing the moment.

With the Winter Solstice just behind us here in sunny Scotland, the days will soon begin to lengthen. Personally, I haven't found the shorter days to be disheartening; instead, they present an opportunity to align with nature by slowing down, spending quality time with Ruby, and reconnecting with myself.

This year, I’ve noticed that I’m more contemplative than usual as the year comes to a close. Perhaps it’s because this Christmas feels less chaotic than those in the past. With Mercury Retrograde influencing my thoughts, I have the chance to reassess my life, my work, and my overall direction—ensuring that I am staying true to my core values.

What I’ve discovered is that there’s a lot I need to realign with those values. And that’s perfectly acceptable. When challenges arise, we do the best we can with our circumstances and adjust our paths accordingly. Rigid schedules and routines aren’t always feasible, and sometimes, our boundaries can become a bit blurry.

Section 1.1: The Challenge of Self-Reflection

In reflecting on my values, I’ve realized that I’ve often shortchanged myself and settled for less. This realization has brought about some grief, but I’m working on observing these feelings without judgment. It’s important to acknowledge where I’ve fallen short, but also to recognize the tremendous growth and achievements I’ve experienced this year.

I’ve learned valuable lessons about the importance of rest, shifted my self-talk to be more loving and empowering, and gained clarity on my identity and aspirations for the future.

Subsection 1.1.1: Cultivating Self-Love

I encourage you to embark on a similar journey over the Christmas period. Can you accept the challenge of observing any self-criticism that arises during the festivities, and do so with compassion? By simply pausing to recognize your judgments, you disrupt that negative energy flow. Even if reframing those thoughts into something more loving is difficult at first, this practice can eventually become a beneficial habit.

The journey of making lifestyle changes, particularly regarding health and fitness, is deeply intertwined with our beliefs and how we relate to them. When we can interrupt the thoughts that foster shame and distress, we allow ourselves the chance to choose a more supportive and loving path forward.

Chapter 2: Transforming Self-Criticism into Self-Compassion

One common hurdle in this process is the perception that it requires hard work and can induce stress. What else triggers similar feelings? Often, our greatest resistance holds the keys to our growth.

It’s important to recognize that self-criticism can become an emotional addiction, falsely marketed as motivation.

Could you explore the idea of abandoning negative reinforcement as a motivator? Imagine if pursuing your goals could be pleasurable and enjoyable, with any discomfort being merely the rewarding aftermath of a workout that you genuinely love.

The first step is to become aware of your self-talk, especially during the holiday season, when little self-directed criticisms often emerge. A simple yet powerful phrase that I use in those moments is “I love you.” You can say it to yourself mentally; there’s no need to announce it out loud at the holiday dinner.

You might feel a bit awkward at first, but this is a wonderful way to acknowledge your inner critic—who, despite misguided intentions, is simply trying to protect you. By soothing that inner critic, you can transform your energy and cultivate positivity instead of self-doubt.

By journaling about this practice, you can identify your common negative thoughts and create empowering counter-statements. Remember, you deserve to receive the same love from yourself that you so generously offer to others.

If you’d like support on your journey into the New Year, I have a limited number of spots for personalized 1–2–1 sessions and VIP days starting in late January. Feel free to reply to this email, and I’ll get back to you in the New Year to help you get started! I’m excited about the possibilities ahead!