Joanne Russell, Author at Painttheway.com

https://youtu.be/m_MaJDK3VNE It's National Herding Cats Day and at this time of year we probably all feel like cat herders. With the holidays fast-approaching, most people I know are functioning on overload and their minds are going a million miles an hour on a million different topics with a to list a mile long. We become over-stressed and overwhelmed. Ultimately, we just want the holidays to be done. During times like these, you need to learn how to pull yourself back and focus on the true meaning of the holiday. Family, relationships, and time spent with those that you love are the key things that will make you happy. It isn't about the amount of money you spent on the gift. Time with another is your most valuable gift. Time spent with another is priceless. It never wears out, it never grows dull or lifeless, if you keep investing in it. You'll build a wonderful relationship that would stand the test of any difficulty. Valuing relationships with others is very important. But why don't we value the relationships with ourselves in the same way? We are willing to buy gifts for others and spend time with others cultivating relationships, but you don't take time to know yourself, to care for yourself, or cultivate the qualities you need to make your own life better. Unfortunately, we don't see value in spending time on yourself and often feel "guilty" if we do. That is absolutely crazy! Here are six ways to make a healthy relationship with yourself. 1. Care for your needs. Get enough sleep and rest, eat good food and nutrients, and exercise. You need to give yourself the space to discover and connect to what feeds you in mind, body, and spirit. 2. Joy is important. Give yourself treats every day, such as a walk in the park, a small bar of chocolate, a long bath [or] a yoga class. 3. Focus on your inner world. You need to be aware of your own internal processes. Understanding what you are thinking and how you are feeling is an important measuring stick for your self-care. Don't be afraid to ask yourself the difficult questions. Journaling and art are other vehicles for becoming more self-aware. 4. Regularly make time for yourself. Make some quiet time for yourself at the start of each day to give yourself positive self-direction and set the tone for your day. I enjoy doing this by having a cup of tea and doing some art. 6. Be your own best friend. What you say to yourself is even more important than what you say to others. Negative self-talk can destroy any self-confidence or progress that you are making. You are loving and supportive of others, so why not show yourself that same respect. Cultivating a positive relationship with yourself is the building block for your whole world and your life. I love getting up before anyone else in the house and spending quiet time on myself. I enjoy having a cup of tea, listening to music, and creating some art. It was a little challenging to cultivate this habit, but once I started doing it on a regular basis it got easier and even more enjoyable. That time is often the brightest spot in my day and allows me to get by thoughts and focus going in the same direction. My daily art practice has helped me to keep the herding cat time to a minimum. I'm herding them fewer cats less often. My life has been so much more enjoyable. Won't you join me and develop some type of daily practice? It doesn't have to be painting, just do whatever makes you happy! Just do it on a regular basis and make it part of your everyday life.

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