Tis the Season

This month I am going to share a collection of holiday posts from my eight years of writing my Alaka’i blog/News.

Wishing you all a very bright Holiday season.

Twenty years ago, on December 14, 2005, Jacob Michael Almanza claimed his star, his brightness too great to be contained in an earthly vessel. Though his time on this earth was far too short for our standards he continues to shine his light and love through all those who were impacted by him. Thanks to his Aunty Amy C., he has a star in the International Star Registry (https://starregistry.com) named Jacob’s Hoku. If you would like to find it the coordinates are: Aries RA 3h 60s D 23′ 23″, and is directly over Hawaii in December.

“A life lived with integrity — even if it lacks the trappings of fame and fortune is a shining star in whose light others may follow in the years to come.”  

     ~ Denis Waitley

A few years after Jacob crossed over we took a trip to Santa Fe, New Mexico and had this amazing star gazing experience. Out in the high desert away from almost all light pollution, with a huge telescope, we were able to see galaxies and stars millions of years old. I remember feeling both small and significant at the same time. Small in relationship to our amazing universe and significant that I am part of that Creation. On a clear December night, take some time to gaze at the stars.

“Dear brightest star o’er Bethlehem, O let your precious light shine in with hope and peace toward (humankind) in every home tonight.”  ~ Swedish Carol

My holiday season isn’t complete without a few classic holiday movies.  Starting with the original version of Miracle on 34th Street. Being part Dutch one of my favorite scenes is when Kris Kringle speaks Dutch to a little adopted girl and sings, “Sinterklaas kapoentje, gooi wat in m’n schoentje, gooi wat in m’n laarsje, dank u Sinterklaasje.” I always feel a bit in awe, like Natalie Wood’s character, Susan Walker and find myself saying, “I believe, I believe…”

Next on the list is It’s a Wonderful Life. This one now has a special meaning tied to every bell I hear ring in the holidays reminding me our angels have wings. Wings to keep them ever-present to us and reminding us it’s all about family and love.

If you are wanting a great musical it has to be the classic, White Christmas. Even if you have never experienced a “white Christmas” this one is sure to take you there. I just love to sing along with all the classic songs.

But, there are also some newer classics that have become part of our holiday repertoire. One of our favorites is Love Actually. This time of year brings family and friends together for celebrations that seem to connect us in a deeper way.

What are some of your favorites and what experiences do you connect to them?

The holiday season is meant to be a time of celebrations, not a time to be running around tired, stressed, and being a grinch. While we all have times where tasks must get done, it helps to have a plan to end up with happier holidays. Especially this year, don’t feel pressured to have the “Hallmark” holiday – have the one that fits your family. Don’t let the details get in the way of being present and celebrating the real meaning of the holidays.

Here are a few tips that might help…

• Decide which holiday celebrations are important to you and put them on your calendar as well as for those with whom you plan to spend them. If you are decorating, decide when you will put them up and take them down.
• For decorating – it doesn’t all have to go up in one day, you can space it out. As you start to put things up, toss any broken items and make a note if it is something that needs replacing now or later. And when you take them down – only keep and store the ones you REALLY use and love.
• Prioritize and plan your gift and card giving. Mark on your calendar the last possible shipping date so everything gets mailed on time.
• Now comes the gift wrapping – set up a wrapping station with paper, bags, ribbon, tape, and scissors. When putting away decorations, decide what wrapping supplies can also be stored and what you want to keep accessible for other occasions.
• For gift giving – Give experiences instead of things. You can also request that family members donate to your favorite charity rather than sending you more “stuff”. If appropriate, send gift certificates for presents. It can simplify things and also reduces shipping costs. 
• If you are someone who shops year round, don’t hide the gifts all over the house. Designate a location and keep a list (mine is on my phone Notes) so you don’t forget what you purchased, for whom, and don’t overshop.
• Holiday cards – if you are ordering photo cards, or other personalized cards, make sure to place the order in plenty of time to receive them and mail them. I personally like to put in a little extra effort and handwrite a message or at least sign them, as well as address the envelopes. But that certainly will depend on the number of cards you are sending! Old holiday cards can be recycled as gift tags.
• Lights – I know you know – but don’t forget to test them BEFORE putting them up. 

Last, but definitely NOT least – Don’t forget your own daily self care. Have three daily check-in moments during the day – morning, noon, and evening. Meditate, exercise and hydrate, and be grateful.

For more organizing tips and resources, go to the Resources section on Alaka’i Associates.

Whether you live in a cold or warm climate, during this season of the year there is a special magic to be found…..if we can pause long enough. In the midst of the excitement and sometimes chaos, here are a few ways to make the season one of self-discovery.

• Listen to your heart. Listen to that inner voice that is always there to guide you where you need to go. Pause and be present in the moment.
• Find your focus. Sometimes we think focus means “work harder”, but you might find you are more productive if you ease up just a little. 
• Learn to be more balanced. Do things that bring your mind, body, and spirit into alignment. It can be as simple as going outside, standing barefoot on the ground, and taking 10 really deep breaths. 
• Cultivate solitude. It is healthy for us to have time alone. It’s amazing what joy and love you can discover while in solitude, especially for yourself.
• Express yourself. Find a way to share your dreams and aspirations. That can be with journaling, vision boards, or through other creative outlets.
• Accept yourself. You are a gift to the world worth sharing and allow others to share theirs as well.
• Use your imagination. Visualize what it is you want down to the smallest detail. What are your wildest dreams? Go make it happen.
• Go play. Find your joy and go there! Put your worries in a box and leave it for a day. 
• Be the light for others. Share a kind word or thought, offer a helping hand and a warm smile. There are angels among us, are you one of them?
• Respect the needs of your body. Don’t forget the basics for staying well – eat healthy, stay hydrated, get enough exercise and sleep. 

The journey of a year is coming to an end. Cherish the moments, all of them, the ups and downs. Cherish the places you have been and people you have seen. Bid farewell to those whose journeys have called them someplace else, knowing they are always there when you need to call on them. Honor the lessons you have learned and those who helped you learn them. Honor your journey and find the magic of the season.

If you would like more information or support for your wellness journey, please reach out at https://alakaiassociates.com/contact/

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THE ALAKA’I BOOKSHELF

This month…A sneak peak at my next book.

“You must learn day by day, year by year, to broaden your horizons.. The more things you love, the more you are interested in, the more you enjoy, the more you are indignant about – the more you have left when anything happens.”  ~ Ethel Barrymore

“Beyond the knowing of I Am is the understanding that we are One. One with all creation – land, sea, and sky.”  ~ Unknown

“We looked into each other and realized we all share the same river. It flows beneath us and through us, from one dry heart to the next. We share the same river…We may speak different languages, and live very different lives, but when that deep water swells to the surface, it pulls us to each other.”  ~ Mark Nepo

Keep you eye out for updates at https://alakaiassociates.com/book/

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Holiday Shopping Ideas

You can find Alaka’i merchandise and more at https://alakaiassociates.com/merchandise/

I also want to introduce you to two Aligned Partners who also have gifts to share.

Gimme A Break and Song of Ka’anohi

Happy Holidays!

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YOUR HEALTH MATTERS

Prioritize Self-Care

The holidays, while filled with gratitude, joy, and family gatherings, can also be one of the most stressful times of the year for many.

From juggling busy schedules to managing expenses and activating your body, we’ve rounded up our top 5 tips for managing your stress over the next few weeks to fully enjoy the holiday season.

The holiday season is often a time of joy, family, and giving. But let’s be honest, it can also be stressful for many people.

In stressful times, it’s important not to neglect healthy habits. Over the next few months, make sure to do the following:

Stay physically active: Moving your body releases endorphins, helping reduce stress and improve your mental health. Try incorporating some form of exercise into your daily routine, even if it’s just a 10-minute walk or some stretching.

Get enough sleep: Sleep allows your body to reset and prepare for the day. Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep each night to ensure you feel refreshed each morning. Create a calming bedtime routine at least one hour before you sleep. This will help you get ready for a good night’s rest.

Activate your body: LifeVantage offers an array of products to support everyday stress relief at any time of the year. Including them in your daily routine is even more important during the holiday season! We suggest the following:

• AXIO® & Protandim® Nrf2 Synergizer® —Both include adaptogens, which help your brain and body manage everyday stress, and make what your body needs for overall well-being.*
• Fat Burn & MindBody GLP-1 System™—These products can help you stay mindful and on track with your weight and wellness goals, conquering cravings and taking away stress related to food during the season of many indulgences.*‡
• D3+—This product increases healthy vitamin D levels and supports a healthy mood, especially during a season with less sunlight.*

First-time orders will receive an additional thank you gift once the order is confirmed.

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Subscribers ONLY

Two lucky winners will receive the Subscriber Giveaway to help you on your wellness journey! In addition, any current subscriber who refers a new subscriber will receive an additional gift!

You can also contact me to schedule a free 30 minute one-on-one Discovery Call to make a plan for your wellness.

#LiveAlohaLiveWell