Pre Holiday Musings

It`s already almost the end of November! Unbelievable that in just a month this crazy 2011 journey will be OVER. There was a point where I wondered whether this year would ever end. There were points when I haven`t been able to believe the undeniable gratitude I have felt for the amazingness of support, abundance and friendship I`ve experienced this year. To say that it's been a bit of a roller coaster would be an understatement.

As the holiday season begins to sparkle and shine all around me I find myself, for the first time in years, actually feeling a bit of the Christmas Spirit. I haven't felt that in several years. In fact, the last time I remember truly feeling that warm fuzzy holiday feeling was probably the winter of 2008. And, unfortunately, it didn't last long as that winter was not an excellent one.

I ventured into a few stores this past week searching for something special for the annual 'Girlz Christmas Party' that a dozen or so of my friends host every year. It's early enough in the season that the stores were still pretty mellow and there wasn't really an abundance of crowds. But as I meandered up and down the endless isles of SO MUCH STUFF I started to question whether more stuff really makes a good gift? Most of us have more than we could ever need. It's not more stuff that's going to fill us with the love and connection that we all crave. Or that delicious feeling of togetherness when we're around people we really enjoy.

This year I am so inspired by friendship. I have so much heart-swelling appreciation for the little things in my life that make me smile and for my incredible circle of family and support. If there was a way I could package and wrap my appreciation, or that warm buzz in my chest when I think of time spent with good friends this year, believe me I would. That's the stuff that's priceless; the stuff that true happiness, and true "holiday spirit" is made of.

So as the holiday hoop-lah unfolds around me I'm laying low this year. Please don't be surprised if I show up on your doorstep with a bottle of wine or a box of tea and a big bear hug. Because this year, that's what the holidays mean for me - togetherness, moments of comfort with good friends and a sharing of our journeys as we all flounder through this crazy life together.

If you're feeling the same sorta way this year - here's a few ideas to help you think outside the box, and outside the malls. Some feel good gift ideas for yourself or those you love:

-Biss Holiday Special - One hour private yoga session or stress relieving hypnotherapy session plus a 45 min spa treatment of your choice (hot stone massage, aromatherapy massage, reflexology) ~ $99

-Yoga Classes! or Private Yoga Sessions (honestly - the gifts that keep on giving, on so many life transforming levels....)

-Plants and lovely living green things.

-Feng Shui consultation The gift of organization, and activating parts of your life that need a lift. Awesome.

-Trips and Travel. There's nothing like some time away. Need a travel buddy? You know I'm always happy to oblige. ;)