People-pleasing takes a lot of energy, and during the holidays if you are a people-pleaser or PPA (people-pleaser adjacent), it can become downright exhausting. You probably won’t notice the extreme fatigue until mid-January or for longtime practitioners, Super Bowl Weekend. 

As a repeat offender, people-pleasing and enabling were part of my everyday life for more years than I care to admit. When I would break out of the pattern, it was often a wild swing. Asserting myself stubbornly about something that didn’t really deserve my time or energy. I was like a toddler, all wobbly and my big head accentuating my imbalance.

Real recovery came with taking the time to get to know myself and eventually trusting myself. It is a practice, a process. If I am doing it ‘right’ then I will be practicing until the day I die. 

Trusting ourselves presents its own challenge. Especially, when my inner wisdom is leading me away from the group, outside of the societal norms. Choosing to be different, out of sync with what everyone else is doing, even when it is the best choice for me is scary.

Here is my reminder to trust myself and how to best set myself up for success.

 

T-take time for myself each day, if only a series of 3 breaths.

R-regular rest is required.

U-unlearn old patterns, permission to try something new.

S-stay present.

T-twirl, dance, skip, and laugh.

 

 

 

 

Now for the prayer, 

Thank you for this day, a day unique and wonderful as each one of us. 

Thank you for our individual journey.

Thank you for the invitation to embrace our life.

Thank you for opportunities for growth.

 

A very happy Thanksgiving to all.