How the Integrated Catholic Woman Lives the 12 Days of Christmas

As I write this post I am beside myself with anticipation for Christmas this year. Our family went through a lot of hard, messy and beautiful things this year. How about you? Life is messy and confusing - and yet, Our Lord is faithful! 

This is the first Christmas in a VERY long time where I have found myself thinking "this year, Christmas will be different." I meditated on this today and the Lord revealed to me that it WILL be different because He is ready to meet me right where I am at... and it's a different place than where I was a year ago. I am ok with that... today, I was reminded of something that came across my prayer back in early November: "Don't be sad about the things you want and don't get. Think how many things you don't want that you don't get!" -- Read that again... I'll wait... 

I "wanted" many things this year and for a few weeks in November, I was a little bitter about it. I sank into a mini-pity party and then the quote I just shared showed up in a daily devotional. It stung for a split second and then I realized that my Litany of Thanksgiving needed to come out again! 

This Christmas I am in a different place and God is still with me! He is so faithful and patient with me. 

As we take a moment to focus on what REALLY matters this Christmas (and NOT on what I wanted and didn't get!) I would like to share a few things that really help me to live this season in an Integrated way - I hope these tips help you too: 

Mind: Start the day with a gratitude mindset - for each of the 12 days of Christmas choose ONE person in your life to pray for. Reach out to that person via text, a handwritten note and if it's a person nearby call and see if she can chat on the phone or take a walk. 

Cultivating a gratitude mindset can help you to cope better with challenges as it helps us reframe difficulties as opportunities for growth, making you more resilient in the face of adversity.  Grateful people tend to have a more positive outlook on life, even during tough times, which can be a powerful resource for overcoming setbacks.

Body: Meaningful movement is a cornerstone in a healthy lifestyle. If you're new to fitness (or if you are beginning again) my 12 Days of Christmas Fun Fitness Plan is a non-threatening and VERY easy way to get some movement and assist your blood sugar, metabolism, sleep and hormone balance. 

Soul: Daily prayer with a resolution - Having a consistent daily prayer time offers many benefits, from enhancing your spiritual growth and emotional well-being to improving your relationships, mental clarity, and resilience. Prayer provides a consistent opportunity to seek guidance, grow closer to Christ, find peace, and foster gratitude, helping you navigate life with greater strength, purpose, and joy. If your daily prayer time has been compromised - use the 12 Days of Christmas to begin again! 

The new year is just around the corner and it's the perfect time to book your Strategy Session. Let's work on your 2025 Wellness Vision together!