December has always been one of my favorite months. It’s the season of peace, joy and love.

If you are in short supply of these virtues, you’re not alone. At the end of this unprecedented year tensions are high, budgets are tight, relationships are tense and bandwidths are maxed out in many homes. However flawed life was pre-covid, most would gladly swap past and present. We are hobbling along through a seemingly endless pandemic. Forget any past goals of getting rich and skinny. The goal for this new decade must be inner peace, the new definition of happiness and success.

Our mental health needs to be one of our top priorities. When you feel mentally healthy, happiness and productivity automatically increase. Consider following these suggestions to gain inner peace and purpose in your life.

Get out of the house and explore the world, on foot or bicycle. There’s a big, beautiful world out there, and the weather is perfect most days.

Remind those close to you how much you love them. When you express feelings, you’re not only opening your heart, you’re opening your loved one’s heart as well.

Take off the pressure. If we’ve learned anything this year, it’s that we can still be productive at a slower pace. Speak kindly to yourself. You’re awesome, capable and worthy of abundance. Never forget that.

Explore your creativity. It’s one of the purest forms of being mindful and living in the moment.

Be philanthropic. The giver always receives the most in return. Volunteer and give of your skills.

Practice gratitude. The ultimate path to happiness and inner peace is paved with a grateful heart. Carve out short gratitude breaks each day and simply bask in the love vibration of gratitude.

Make time for people you care about. Make plans and keep them. Share meals, space, experiences. We are wired to be social. Enjoy the laughter of friends, it will always be the best medicine.

Relax and carve out time each day to shut down, even if just a few minutes. Close your eyes, take deep breaths and recharge your mental batteries.

Focus on breathing. There is so much going on in the external. Focus on your breath and release tension with each exhalation. Visualize a golden ball of light encircling you with love and protection.

From our family to yours, may your December be filled with peace, joy and love.

Rebecca Young, Publisher