b’vive.

A season to celebrate you.

We all go through seasons in life. Seasons of hard work and transition. Seasons of comfort and joy.

Whatever season of life you’re in, we are all in the holiday season. 

It’s the season of parties and cookies and treats and even busier than usual schedules. The season when we tend to forget our goals from last January or even last week. 

I actually went back to look at the goals I had set for myself in January. Some I accomplished. Some I did not. One goal was to look into composting. Not even actually start composting, I was just going to look into it.

I’m going to confess to you now that I did not do that. I did not even Google the word “compost.” And I’ll I can do now is laugh at my overly ambitious January self. She’s hilarious.

But seriously, I hear three common themes this time of year.

THE F&CK IT MINDSET

This is when you say things like:

“I had intended to lose 10 lbs, but it was too hard.”

“I was going to run a marathon, but I hurt my ankle.”

“I tried to find a workout class, but nothing worked.”

“I was going to start composting, but I forgot.”

Basically. I tried, but . . . F&CK IT. Maybe next year.

Totally valid and I get it, obviously.

THE I’M TIRED MINDSET

This sounds like “I have been working so hard. I did all the things. And now I just want to rest.” And also, “to hell with meal planning and working out.” 

I’M TIRED. I need a break.

Yes! Yes, you do.

Raise your hand if you feel one of these.

While one or both things might be true for you, I’d like to offer a third option.

THE LET’S CELEBRATE MINDSET.

You have been working so hard! You did try a lot of things this year! And you know what, you deserve to celebrate!

This is NOT a season or time to feel down about what we didn’t do this year.

Now is not the time to start a new fitness routine or whatever fad diet someone told you would help you lose 10 pounds before New Year’s. (Unless that someone was your doctor and it will really save your life, listen to your doctor.) 

Because now is the time to celebrate how hard you are working to live a nutritious and delicious life.

This IS THE TIME to MAINTAIN any good behaviors or healthy habits you have established and finish strong.

And we will do that by celebrating! Celebrating what we have tried. What we have overcome. What we have accomplished.

I encourage you to do this little exercise with me.

You can write down your answers on a piece of paper or download the CELEBRATE YOU guide here.

I think it will help you through the final weeks of the year and spoiler alert, it will help you set your goals for next year (when that time comes but it’s not right now).

And what are your healthy habits? Let’s take it one area at a time. For each, you can think about actions that you take daily, weekly or monthly. And I’m not suggesting that you should be doing all of these things. These are prompts to help you think about what you are doing, when (or how often) and why.

WHAT behaviors or habits you do that are good for your mind, body or joy?

WHEN do you do said behavior or habit?

WHY do you do that thing you do? “It feels good for my mind and my body,” is a perfectly acceptable answer.

Ready? Here goes:

For your mind.

In what ways are you working your brain muscles? What are the things you do on the regular that clear your mind or strengthen it?

The action might be:

• Learning about
• Listening to
• Practicing
• Reading 

[Insert your what/when/why]

For example:

I have been reading Bvive content daily to learn about a nutritious and delicious life.

Yes, that was a shameless plug. But also, you’re doing it!

For your body. 

We have to break this into two parts.

1. MOVE YOUR BODY.

Walking, running, yoga, HIIT. Daily. X times a week. For 10 minutes or 110 minutes or somewhere in between. You are doing the thing!

I go to OTF 3-4 times each week to get stronger and feel more alive.

I walk the dog once a day to get outside.

2. EAT TO NOURISH.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again and again. Each time we eat is a chance to nourish our minds and bodies. What we eat fuels our lives. It’s not a punishment and it’s not a reward. Food is love. Give your body love.

If you are telling yourself this everyday, you get extra points. (I don’t know who is keeping score, but they are giving you extra points.)

List the healthy foods you eat on the regular.

Name the healthy eating habits that you have.

I have been mindful of my protein and my fiber to feel more satisfied.

I have been tracking my water to stay hydrated and energized.

I have been eating a fruit or vegetable with every meal or snack.

For the joy.

Any one of the actions you listed above might fit here. Or there might be things you do for pure joy.

Think about the things that really light you up. Those activities, people or practices that spark joy, that give you the mental and physical energy to do the things that aren’t so joyous.

**

You might find that you have a whole lot in the joy category and nothing in the mind category. YOU ARE SO GOOD AT JOY!!

Maybe you’re really strong in the mind and body categories. I LOVE THAT ABOUT YOU!

This is not about feeling bad about what you AREN’T DOING. This is about celebrating WHAT YOU ARE DOING to live a nutritious and delicious life.

Because there are a lot of things we could be doing. You are DOING YOUR BEST best with where you are.

Write it down. And keep it up.

I’m so proud of you!

Cheers to you and cheers to living well.

Ready to sparkle this season?

Check out my Personalized Health Coaching options or get more tips for a nutritious and delicious holiday season in: Creating Your Normal During the Holidays.

Margaret Faintich is on a mission to help us all live in a world where taking care of our health and wellness is the norm. Where we can eat nutritious and delicious food every day because they are the same and that’s just how we live. 

She shares inspiration and guidance through the lens of mind, body and spirit.

Margaret Faintich is the founder of B’Vive Co. and a Nutritious Life Master Certified Nutrition and Wellness Coach. 

She is a yoga lover and OrangeTheory Fitness enthusiast.