As we embark on the 2015 holiday season, make sure you keep taking the time for self-care – whether its taking a class at JF, getting a massage or just relaxing for 15 minutes to enjoy your morning coffee (or green tea)! It is this time of year where are stress levels sky rocket and its so easy to undo all the hard work you put into yourself week after week, day after day, minute after minute.  Focus on being present, enjoying each moment and embracing the magic of the season.  I know for many of us who have struggled with our eating and taking care of ourselves, even though the holidays are joyously spent with family and friends, there is also a sense of fear lurking under the surface.  How can I survive all of those tempting treats?  How can I prevent myself from overeating but still enjoying seasonal fare?  Will I go back to eating as a coping mechanism to deal with the stress of balancing every day life with preparing for the holidays?  It’s there – and it’s ok!  You are not alone.  This year, I challenge you to confront your fears and whatever underlying emotions trigger you to fall back into bad habits.  If you overate at Thanksgiving, forgive yourself and start NOW getting back on track.  Forgive yourself and dig deep within to understand why, in a sense, you may have let yourself go.  Was it fear? Shame? Guilt? Were you focused too much on “being good” that you put too much pressure on yourself?  Is it cultural expectations? If you don’t sit with your feelings now, they will just continue to surface in the future.  So I challenge you to battle your inner demons this season and conquer them!

~Ray Simpson

Your task is to live and enjoy your life – embrace the beauty within and stop letting fear or fear of the past hold you back from being the best you possible.  Those old habits you created of stuffing your emotions, eating for comfort, pleasing your in-laws or great aunts, putting everyone else’s needs before your own, pressuring yourself to be perfect – that is your past and does NOT have to be your future.  So I challenge you to embrace your inner light – your amazing talents and strengths – and do not let fear of the past weigh you down this holiday season.  I believe in you and will be here with you every step of the way – whether its in class or during a one on one session – I am always here for your added support :).

To your success,