Hi Space Makers!
Before we get to today’s suggested practices, I’m inviting you to give some thought to future you. *
And the future you I’d like you to consider is the person who will be trying to get things done next December.
What does that person need to know?
What have you figured out in the process this year that you want to make note of for the future?
What expectations (yours and others’) can you work to change now, so that future version of yourself can have things a little easier?
What reminders can you set for future you?
A few years ago, I got into the habit of putting reminders into my calendar for this time next year and it has made a huge difference.
One year I set a reminder for myself to buy new Christmas lights at the end of November the following year.
Another time, I put a reminder in my phone telling me where I was storing the Christmas tablecloths so that future me wouldn’t have to scramble to find them.
And I have also included reminders to help somebody with something earlier in December then I did this year, reminders of when to do specific holiday related tasks, and reminders of tips for gift shopping.
Even though I often have trouble envisioning a future time, this time of year seems to be an exception.
There’s something about being in the thick of it right now that makes it really clear to me what I will need next time December rolls around. Right now, it’s much easier to imagine a future version of what I’m doing at the moment, especially a version that I could shape to make things more straightforward for future me.
Every time I have done this, it has both come in handy and I have been surprised by the information. I always completely forget that I’ve set these reminders and then I’m really grateful to past me when they pop up.
And on top of the straight-up utility of this process, it feels really good to take good care of myself this way. I can only assume that it would be the same for you. And, obviously, I’m all for things that help us feel better in the moment and in the future.
As for feeling better in the moment, I have included a movement practice and a meditation practice below. You are free to choose either or both of these or to choose something else of your liking to create space for yourself today
No matter what you choose to do, please take good care of yourself and be kind. May you have ease today, and always.
Our movement practice for today is A Quick Individual Medley Workout from Ella’s Wheelchair Workouts
And our mindfulness practice for today is Guided Breathing Meditation To Relax And Be Calm from Mindful Peace
*If today isn’t the right day for this, consider doing this type of thinking sometime soon instead. And, of course, be kind to yourself when and if you do this type of thinking. The goal is to make next year easier while this year’s events and activities are fresh in your mind, this is not about adding complications for future you.