Holiday Gift Guide
There are a million ways to gift yourself. Time is my favorite gift. This looks like a walk in the woods all by myself. Talk about serenity now! A big exhale.
Words of affirmation are also important to me. I like to read poems and daily devotionals. I also create Ta-Da lists at times to remind myself that I am doing a good job, the best I can, and I've come a long way, baby.
There is a saying that says, "If you have your health, you have many wishes; if you don't have your health, you have one wish." Lord, I know this to be true. The gift of health comes to me in the form of my nutrient-dense breakfast of overnight oats, which I lovingly prepped in advance. I also treat myself to long sauna sits and cold showers.
You can gift yourself with acts of service; I do this by paying a housecleaner and a lawnmover. Great ROI for me. I can coach clients during that time instead!
You can also buy yourself some holiday gifts. Or anytime gift. I am talking about actual gifts. I am a firm believer in spoiling yourself sober. No deprivation here. As a maximialist, I am not ashamed to wrap a gift and put it under the tree for myself. It doesn't have to cost a lot of money to feel like a big luxury. An updated luggage tag. An empowering coloring book by a beautiful artist. You can download Peggi Cooney's audiobook today for free.
Perhaps you do want to indulge a bit more. A hatch alarm clock might be a delightful reward for hangover-free mornings. A Nespresso machine upgrade perhaps will also do the trick. These are both on my daughter's list this year. Money saved from not drinking can go towards 1x1 Coaching Support. A real investment that pays back in infinite dividends.
One year, my youngest daughter helped me wrap gifts. There was a tag under the tree on a beautiful present that said "To Mom, From Yourself." in her handwriting. I am not ashamed.
There is no resentment when I just go ahead and get myself whatever I want. Since getting sober, I have learned to accept the same love towards myself that I have given to others. I have taught others how to treat me too. I went from the martyr (mom's stocking is always empty) to the queen (we were over budget on you this year, mom, but we know you're going to love it!). Oh good golly, I will! My stocking is no longer empty. The family loves playing Santa back to me.
I am learning to receive. I am practicing receiving with abundance and joy like my trusty cocker spaniel. This is important too. To both give and receive. This holiday, I recommend doing both. And doing both for yourself too.
My holiday gift guides have something for the foodie, the adventurer, the reader, the artist, and more.
Check out my đź”—Amazon Storefront for all the links on things that I love. I will get a small commission, which so far has been less than $20, so I fully intend on keeping my day job as a coach and not turning into a paid influencer, okay?! You can trust these items are tried and true.
The only items not in my store are listed here:
đź”— After Magazine Subscription
đź”— Life and Recovery Coach Certification (50% off until the end of the year)
đź”— Annual Insider Membership
đź”— Sober in the City Scottsdale
How will you treat yourself this season? Reply to this email and let me know. Happy Holidays!
-Heather
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