How To Have A More Intentional And Heart-Centered Holiday Season
While browsing a store recently, a woman shared something simple yet profound: “Be where your feet are.”
It was while I was out shopping with my best friend, who was frantically trying on everything she could get her hands on—while I waited, amused, on the sideline.
Waiting turned out to be not so bad because I found myself chatting with a delightful sales associate. Before long, we ended up discussing phones as distractions and how much time so many people spend engaging with their phones, their minds somewhere else entirely.
And then she shared something with me that her son had told her: “Be where your feet are.”
This associate was so lovely and present, with a contagious warmth. She told me this phrase had become her daily reminder—and now it’s mine, too.
By the end of our visit, my bestie had not only tried on all the things but also purchased all the things. So it turns out that being present and engaging can positively impact people—and sales commissions!
Like the phrase “Be where your feet are,” may this article serve as a powerful grounding reminder as you rise above the chaos and celebrate with more intention this holiday season.
- Play With Numerology
Before we get into reflection and intention setting for the new year, I like to play with numerology during this time. Numerology is the study of numbers and their significance in our lives, and it can be particularly eye-opening for the new year. As someone learning to notice and follow the signs, I have found a place for numerology.
I use the Creative Numerology website to look into my yearly forecast for the year ahead (you can also use it for the week or month).
You only have to do a straightforward math problem that incorporates your birthday and the upcoming year to use it. Click on the forecast number you’ve calculated, and voila! Now you can read up on the personal journey you can expect to have in 2025.
When I did this practice last year, I found that 2024 would be a “3” year for me (described as a creative springboard year)—it turned out to be just that. In 2024, I brewed up a couple of fun projects I got to work on and am excited to start sharing about in 2025. So stay tuned for those!
- Wrap Up Your Intentions
Feral Week, the affectionately termed week between Christmas and New Year, often lacks structure, but it provides the perfect time to meditate on and set our intentions for 2024. Best of all, it doesn’t cost you anything or require any party planning—just quiet time with your thoughts and fave notebook + pen. Yes!
As you perform your year-end reflection, figure out what seems to be missing in your life. Spend a lot of time with the words you write (they matter!) and see if any of them might become your guiding word(s) or theme for the year ahead.
Rather than setting New Year’s resolutions, I love to choose a “Word Of The Year.” It’s an intention-setting activity I have been practicing for a few years, and I’ve had far more success with it than I ever had with resolutions. For instance, my word for 2024 was “play,” which reminded me to experiment, embrace fun, and keep things lighter daily.
Choose a word that appeals to you and then post it above your desk or add it to a piece of jewelry so that you have a daily reminder of the intention you’ve set.
- Gift Yourself A Mental Break
During the holiday season, our usual routines can fade—or even disappear. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easier than ever to feel overwhelmed and pulled mentally away from the present moment.
I recommend doing this with intention via a “mind cleanse” so you can return to living in the moment as quickly as possible.
Think of a “mind cleanse” as a quick and intentional way to clear all the mental clutter in your brain—and all it takes is five minutes. Give yourself five minutes to write down all the distracting thoughts swirling in your head—the to-dos, the worries, the random ideas, the bits of inspiration. Cleaning those thoughts out of your mind and putting them on paper is usually enough to give you a much-needed exhale.
Now you can focus on being where your feet are because all the things vying for your attention are happily captured on paper to be dealt with later.
- Trim Your Days With Grace
Give yourself grace. Perhaps the best way to celebrate more intentionally this holiday season is to reframe your mindset. No more “I’m falling so far behind.” Instead, “I’m taking care of what’s important right now.”
Guilt often arises from an unhealthy mix of pressure (whether from self or society) to achieve unrealistic expectations and the belief that one needs to do everything. No one can do it all—and that’s perfectly okay!
Be where your feet are. Focus on taking small steps forward. Celebrate any progress you make along the way. Small steps make up the most meaningful journeys.
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