Season of Gratitude: Embrace that self-love

‘Tis the season…to get reflective. There are plenty of things to love about the holidays, but they also bring plenty of personal or family issues to the surface. It’s easy to fall into the trap of trying to live that Hollywood-style holiday experience – and becoming that perfectionist people pleaser with no boundaries in doing so.

Instead of putting yourself last this season, upend that holiday narrative. Fill your own plate first instead of making sure that everyone else’s is loaded up.

How? By giving yourself the gift of self-love. By committing to creating your own life and happiness. To finding your own outlet for joy.

This season, speak up for yourself when it matters. Trust your gut – and listen to your own needs. Release those who see you or your passions as lesser. Be generous only to the extent that it doesn’t diminish you. Let go of what no longer enriches your life. Define your boundaries. And most of all, choose to nurture your own wellbeing and happiness in the way that works for you.

This world can be a lot, especially over the holidays, but you can make this time your happy place. Listen to that voice within that tells you want you really want – because it’s the most important one you’ll ever hear.

One way to reclaim that pathway to you? Is through dance. Because moving your body through space and time is something that’s yours and yours alone. That act of claiming time, expression, and movement to yourself is as radical as it gets – because it’s the embodiment of self-love.

Ready to make these holidays about you instead of about others? Protect your energy, give yourself grace, and allow yourself permission to live your life in a way that serves you.

And if the rhythm calls you home, listen to it – and move accordingly. Because there’s no self-love like dance.

Join us for our upcoming classes! New to Art of VIII? Your first class is free, visit artofviii.com for details. We’ll see you soon, friend.