The 12 Days Of You
Piece featured in: Image Magazine, Connacht and Galway Tribune
The 12 days of Christmas comes from the 12 days it took for the Wise Men to travel to Bethlehem from December 25th to January 6th. We all make journeys over Christmas. Often these as a means to an end, getting from A to B, or getting what we need done to get through Christmas.
But sometimes our most successful journeys are the ones where we focus on the steps and not on the outcome. For example, if you want to save money, you’re more likely to be successful if you take pride in every month’s achievement rather than getting too focused on the final amount, because some days that’s just too far away. It’s the same with losing weight. The best way is to enjoy the slow and steady ½ pound down each week rather than the stones you need to lose by next year.
Do we ever stop to think about all the steps we take to look after ourselves? We all do things that are good for us and bad for us, and these things are just a series of steps too. Some are steps we take towards our wellbeing and others are steps we take away from our wellbeing. There is no-one on the planet whose every step is a move towards a better version of themselves! So, let’s make the 12 days of Christmas 12 steps towards a better you. We certainly deserve it this year!
Day 1
Friday December 25th: Give yourself a gift.
You matter at Christmas too. Your gift to yourself could be 30 minutes of me-only time. Or you could think about something you’d like to buy for yourself when the shops open.
Day 2
Saturday December 26th: Look in the mirror and give yourself a compliment.
Notice your nicest feature and compliment yourself on this small asset. Notice that it helps make you you and it is a little special.
Day 3
Sunday December 27th: Forgive yourself for something you have done.
Maybe you ate too much in the last few days. Just let that go, punishing yourself won’t change anything.
Day 4
Monday December 28th: Do something fun or relaxing.
So, you’ve done loads for other people. Now it’s time to get up and do something for you. The minute you start doing it, you’ll remember how much you like it.
Day 5
Tuesday December 29th: Cook your favourite food, cook something new or get your favourite take-away.
We all love food, it just makes us feel nourished and treated. Don’t rush through it this time, take your time and enjoy every bite. It isn’t about eating it, it’s about enjoying it.
Day 6
Wednesday December 30th: Put on your favourite piece of clothing or outfit.
We all love to think we look nice but we don’t have to be going somewhere to do it. This is your way of reminding yourself today that you haven’t given up on yourself.
Day 7
Thursday December 31st: Take pride in the boldest step you took this year.
Sometimes the boldest moves are the ones other people don’t see. We all had challenges this year, how did you get through your biggest one? If you reflect on how you did it, you’ll find the strength to do it again.
Day 8
Friday January 1st: Plan your boldest step you plan to take this year.
You can do it, whatever it is. But it will take planning. Failing to plan is planning to fail. It doesn’t have to be big, but it should be something that is a little scary, then it’ll be really worth it.
Day 9
Saturday January 2nd: Tell someone how much they add to your life.
We all have people we love and we love them because of what they add to our lives. Rather than telling them you love them, tell them what they add to who you are how and how they make you stronger.
Day 10
Sunday January 3rd: Ask someone to help you with something you need.
This year has had challenges, next year will have its own. You won’t get the most out of it alone, so put in the supports you need by asking for help where you need it. This is a sign of strength not weakness.
Day 11
Monday January 4th: Add one more YOU thing to our weekly routine.
Now that the routine has begun again, we’re ready to make a small change and give a little more each week to ourselves. It’s just one thing each week — a class, a weekly catch-up with a friend, a morning routine. The more you do for yourself, the more you realise that you matter.
Day 12
Tuesday January 5th: Put a once-a-month reminder in your diary to do something for yourself.
One activity a month is 12 in a year, that would be another 12 steps towards you even before you begin the 12 days of you next Christmas. Go on, you’re worth it!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and the warmest wishes for the New Year.
