Hello!

The Holiday Eating (and drinking) Season is OFFICIALLY upon us!
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I'm still recovering from the election, and from turning 29, just in time for hectic holiday family shenanigans.

It's no secret that this season is prime time for focused self-care. The traveling, the shopping, the planning, the cooking, the socializing...It's all wonderful fun, but if you get too caught up in it, you are at risk for physical and emotional burnout.

Take the time for yourself to get your head on straight, treat your body right, and make sure you feel amazing, all season long. 

Are you ready?
​Here are some resources to help you get prepared for what's to come.

Watch it!
I've been loving leaf on Youtube. 
Watching their videos is both soothing and inspiring for my braincells.

A Giggle
Holiday Feast

Movin' and Groovin'
Dance it out with The Fitness Marshall

Namasté Bitches
Yoga for Digestion
...don't forget your digestive enzymes! 

Your Power
LOVED this commercial for Lane Bryant 
-This Body-

Body Love​
5 Simple Ways to Prep Skin for the Holidays

Self-Care
15 Ways to Thrive During the Holidays
http://www.drnorthrup.com/thanksgiving-how-to-nourish-yourself/

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Challenges:
Nothing official here, but I DO challenge you to drink one or two more glasses of water each day this week, than you normally do. 
You already know all the benefits to your health, as they're listed in practically every health article on the internet. 
You can even make a drinking game out of it:
Every time *that* uncle says something awful at Thanksgiving, or if mom does something really mom-like (like wanting to look in your ears) or when your brother's kid has a melt-down...
​Take a sip!

Cheers and I hope you all have a WONDERFUL Thanksgiving. 
All my love, 
Caitlin

I have a pretty large family.
Any given celebration consists of at least 20 humans, 3 dogs, 3 cats, the occasional water dragon, and the bunny before he went tits-up. As you can likely relate, navigating all of those personalities, interpersonal conflicts, and lifestyles, ain't easy.

Although my family tends to get along unusually well, I always feel like I need a bit of extra guidance and mental preparation before being fed to those very loving and well-intentioned sharks.
I usually do this by listening to an inspiring book or podcast during the drive home, being reminded of the kind of person I want to be, and reminding myself not to be so easily triggered.
Or, if I do get triggered, it gives me the perspective to help me understand why, and how to manage it.
This works exceedingly well...most of the time.

Due to feeling pretty tender throughout most of this month, I felt the need for an add on to my inspiration immersion. This is where the Oracle cards come into play. I love them because they give you a quick and dirty concept to consider in relation to your current quandry. There are a number of wonderful decks out there, but my current favorite is Doreen Virtue's Daily Guidance from your Angels.
I love using these cards whenever I feel a little spacey, in need of direction, or am in search of a loving nudge. 
There are many ways of using these cards, but what I personally do is shuffle the cards and ask a question.

"What to I need to know/keep in mind for going home this Thanksgiving?"
:::shuffle shuffle shuffle:::
Sometimes one will literally fall out of the deck at my feet. Other times, I fan them out and let the wand choose the wizard.
:::shuffle shuffle shuffle::: 

​ It wasn't until Black Friday that I realized that this concept was something I had embodied, almost by accident! Although I had considered the meaning of the card, I quickly filed it away in my brain. 
I realized that I spent most of Thanksgiving Day playing Hide & Seek with my little cousins, watching my mother make a Limber Louie puppet dance for the dogs, and learning some new party tricks from my uncle.
It was so fun to be able to show my cousins all the hiding spots my brother and I found when we were kids, and even discover some new ones they found on their own.
Experiencing the gathering through the lens of "Play" gave me permission to not take myself and others so seriously. (Like when Nana threatens to remove your new nose piercing with needle nose pliers while you sleep!)
(TRUE STORY)
I was able to have a really fantastic time, not get into any awkward disagreements, and really engage with my family on a new level. As a result
This is far from the first time I've picked this card lately, so I'm going to try to let go of the serious, and play, as much as I possibly can. What do you think? Play as a part of your wellness practice?
I invite you to take the Angel's advice, stop what you're doing and PLAY!
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Please share in the comments, what are your most favorite and silly ways to play?

Could that summer have gone by any faster?!
Some of you will disagree with me, but, although I would love a few more afternoons by the pool, I'm enamored with the turn of the season. It feels like a new opportunity to start fresh. Just google "September is the new January" and you'll see what I mean. I can't help but be reminded of that scene from You've Got Mail when Joe Fox says to Kathleen Kelly:

"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me want to buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address."

In the spirit of starting anew, I am beyond excited to announce that I am expanding my practice, and now offer Health Coaching!

If you are ready to make some positive changes in your life, and learn how to design and achieve YOUR goals, You're invited to schedule a FREE initial health consultation with me. Either click the link, or sign up below! 

You will have the opportunity to be heard, and get a sense of what it feels like to have more support in your life by working with me in my health coaching program.
Wishing you love, peace, and bouquets of pencils,
Caitlin

PS: These appointments are filling up quickly, so sign up soon!