Here's a remake of my December 2013 blog post: 

Even Santa, like so many of us in the Western world, can reach a point at which something has to give.  For months on end, he works long hours, planning for a big event, laboring over endless details, managing a work crew, getting along with coworkers who often have an agenda of their own, feeding and caring for the little ones under his care, not to mention his four-legged friends.  Work, limited time for sleep and play, along with trying to assume responsibility for the happiness of every person on the planet, can put anyone in fight/flight mode.  It can become a habit, stuffing more and more responsibilities in your bag with the goal of delivering the goods.  After all, if you don't do it, who will?  And did I mention the thinking, fretting and worry that can accompany all this?  It's enough to keep anyone awake at night.  

Staying in this pattern for an extended period of time can take its toll on the body, mind and spirit.  Grabbing a quick sugar fix or a caffeinated drink can keep you going for awhile, but eventually something's got to give.  That's when your body starts talking to you.  Headaches, body aches, muscle tension, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, tired adrenal glands and immune system, inflammation, cold hands, shallow breathing, tightness in the chest, insomnia, forgetfulness and more.  And it's not just the body talking...there's also those endless thoughts swirling through your head.  Feelings of irritability and resentment can creep in.  

"I'll do it differently next year", Santa says, as he begins making a list...
       New Year's Resolutions

1. Take time to quiet my body and mind.
2. Exercise regularly.
3. Take time to play (and pet the reindeer). 
4. Eat and drink mindfully.
5. Cookies and caffeine in moderation.  
6. Get more sleep.
7. Breathe lower and slower. Click here for diaphragmatic breathing instructions.
8. Find balance.  Check out the website Mrs. Claus sent me for exploring balance.  Read blog post below...

It's that time of year when many are setting New Year's Resolutions while others are vowing not to.  Even if you're not one to set resolutions, you likely have some thoughts about what you might like to accomplish in the upcoming days, weeks or year.  Or a thought about how you might like to "do it differently" this year.

You may be familiar with the concept of using a pie chart as a way to assess your life for stress, balance or wellness.  A circle or pie shape is drawn and divided into sections.  The sections are labeled with various aspects of your life.  You then rank each of these labeled areas of your life by shading in a portion of each pie segment.  The center of the circle = 0, meaning you're less satisfied with that area of your life.  The outer edge = 10, indicating that you are extremely satisfied.

Some say the wheel should be balanced so that you're not experiencing a "bumpy ride" as you navigate life.  But is it unrealistic to strive for a balanced wheel?  What feels like imbalance for one individual may feel like balance for another.  I suggest using the wheel to increase your awareness of your level of satisfaction in various aspects of your life.  Once aware, you can begin to identify what action or inaction is needed to move you toward increased contentment with life.

This website offers an interactive pie chart. Click here, then click again on "access the interactive wheel."  The guided exercise can be completed in just a couple of minutes, or you may choose to spend more time.  It allows you to design your own "custom" labels for segments on your wheel, or you can use a ready-made one.