Welcome to Week 2 of the Holiday Countdown!

Don’t worry if you are just joining in this week, that is OK—here is what we covered last week if you would like to take a look, or just jump in today.

Last week we talked about:

Setting Your Intention

Sharing Your Intention

Remember to keep your intention for this holiday in mind every day so you can keep focused and grounded on your north star. This will help to lead you to your finish line. 

Every week, I will remind you of this: Most importantly, take care of yourself. Remember, if you don’t put your oxygen mask on first, you can’t help others in your life. You are the glue holding everything together.

Together, we have got this. 

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On to the nitty gritty of the week.  Here is what I would like you to think about this week:

November 11:

Prepare your plan.  Start at a high level with your plan. Too often we get right into the weeds of creating to-do lists. This is where you want to keep your intention in mind. If it makes it to the list, is it aligned with your intention? 

For this plan, we are only focusing on Thanksgiving. Where are you celebrating? If you have usually hosted Thanksgiving, you might want to reconsider that. Someone else can take a turn, you could go out to eat, you could have your meal catered. This is not the year to try to be Superwoman. Check in. How do you feel about that? Are you driving that plan or are others? If you are alone, who do you want to spend your holidays with? I strongly encourage you to be with a friend or family member. Lock down those plans in advance. Setting expectations early will help you mentally prepare.

November 13:

How to honor your loved one. How do you want to honor your loved one over the holidays? For this exercise, think about all of the upcoming holidays: Thanksgiving - Hanukkah - Christmas - New Year's. Even though some holidays are one month away, sometimes decorating starts sooner, so plan ahead to minimize surprises.

Here are some ideas for you to consider:

• Save them a seat at the Thanksgiving table.
• Give a toast to them.
• Have everyone go around the table and share their favorite memory of your loved one.
• Watch their favorite holiday movie.
• Cook their favorite special recipe.

However you decide to honor your loved one over the holidays, make sure you communicate that to others. If you have children, you may want to include them in coming up with your ideas.  

November 15:

Gratitude lists.  Sometimes, especially after you have lost your loved one, it can be hard to feel grateful. Find something every day to be grateful for. Focusing on things that you are grateful for has been proven to bring on positive emotions, and I know we all want more of those.

Think about work, family, friends, community and the small things—then write down your gratitude list and refer and add to it over the holidays. Check in with you. Start your list of who you want to buy gifts for this year. Since you are in the headspace of gratitude, this will help you plan your list coming from a place in your heart instead of another thing you need to check off your to-do list.

To learn more about Jody’s coaching programs, click here.

You are invited...

...to join my FREE Group Coaching & Community Zoom Session on Tuesday, November 19, at 6:00 p.m. CST or on Wednesday, November 20, at noon CST for widows who are also working.

Thanksgiving is coming. Let's come together as a community and share how we can honor our loved ones and manage our emotions.

Come with any questions you may have—nothing is off limits.