Finding balance during the holidays can be challenging. Holiday cards, baking, shopping for the perfect gift, a too-full calendar, and having to spend time with challenging people can amplify things in a not-so-merry way. According to Martha Beck, Harvard-trained sociologist, life coach, and New York Times best selling author, it’s impossible to live a balanced life when trying to meet all of the demands our society puts on us. She says once you become aware that these demands may not fulfill your own desires, you can, “stop living life from the outside in and begin living it from the inside out.”

So listen to Martha Beck this holiday season. Let your expectations go. Then do what makes you feel merry. Not easy to do, but definitely doable if you start small. Savor all those well wishes from friends and family, give from your heart, take long walks, and cultivate gratitude. And when all is said and done, know that ”living from the inside out” is truly a beautiful gift to everyone.

Wishing you a balanced holiday season with love and merrymaking in the mix!

PICTURE IT WELL photos from givenphoto.com symbolize some aspect of well-being. The brief text is meant to inspire you and demonstrate the uplifting power of nature.

Back to more Picture it Well posts