I was inspired by Carrie Cheadle’s Facebook Post about giving yourself something to make you feel amazing for the 12 days of Christmas this year. I decided to give myself a “gift” everyday during the 12 days of Christmas….some of these gifts were what Carrie suggested, while others where ones that I came up with on my own. Each of these gifts is special to me…some of these gifts are very simple and most of them don’t cost even a penny, but they are all gifts we should consider giving ourselves everyday to remind ourselves just how special we truly are.
Day #1: Write a mini love note to myself 
Day #2: Gift of Time…30 minutes for just me 🙂
Day #3: Gift of Motivation…I decided to make a motivational collage and post it where I can see it daily.
Day #4: Give myself a pat on the back…I don’t give myself enough credit most of the time for all that I do and how amazing I am. I decided a good pat on the back was in order.
Day #5: I gave myself a treat. Something I didn’t have to share with anyone else…
Day #6: I gave myself an award. Since I ended my 2013 triathlon season with a DNF, I decided with the New Year just around the corner that it is time to start mental training for 2014.
Day #7: I gave myself a party…not the typical party with lots of people, food and drink, etc. I gave myself a party with just me and my girls (Mya and Basil…our two black labs). I played the song “Celebration” by Kool & The Gang, we danced, celebrated (both feeling better and the beginning of a 2 week winter break), smiled and had lots of fun!!
Day #8: Gift of Knowledge…I purchased a book to help me learn how to perform better under pressure, tame the butterflies and overcome setbacks. I am hoping to use these mental skills to help me perform consistently, remain confident when faced with challenges and successfully accomplish my goals both during training and on race day.
Day #9: Gift of Perspective…a list of gratitude. I make a list of things I am thankful for every night before bed, but I decided to put a twist on this list…growth is a must for everything on this list.
Day #10: Gift of Encouragement…I wrote out 4 powerful and affirming statements and posted them where I will read them everyday between now and January 1, 2014. The power of being who I want to be lies in my own thoughts. Only I can change negative thoughts into positive beliefs.
Day #11: Gift of a Toast to Celebrate ME…”I proposed a toast to my strengths, my PRs in 2013, my commitments and dedication.” I also “proposed a toast to the most relaxing Christmas ever” with the Iron Hippie.
Day #12: Gift of Relaxation…I started Christmas morning with 1 hour of hot yoga. While this is typically in my weekly workout routine, I haven’t been able to workout for the last two weeks due to illness. I decided that this would be a perfect gift for Christmas Day.
Merry Christmas Everyone!!
