'STUFF' ... this Christmas

This week has been a reflective one for me as I wind down for a well deserved Christmas break. Many of you may be caught up in the chaos of Christmas shopping, what to buy who, where to buy it from and when to buy it. Budgets being blown, credit cards maxed out and bank accounts overdrawn. Why do we do it?! 7 years ago that was all bought to ahead for me as my son attempted suicide. Is life really all about the 'STUFF'?

Life could have been so different if we hadn't heeded this wake up call.

I am relieved to say my son is now 24, very much alive, well and sharing a life full of love. We get so caught up in trying to prove we are good parents, friends, partners and family member. We lose sight of what life is really all about. We think the 'STUFF' proves our worth and we get engrossed in working hard to provide a lifestyle that is really not necessary. I speak from experience and sometimes life throws us an opportunity to STOP and take stock of where we are and realign our living with our purpose. Working hard is not necessarily working smart and ask yourself are your family paying the price?

Are you prepared to make some changes to your thinking and how you view life?

If the answer is not yet, then ask yourself at what cost? Will our children remember the 'STUFF' and how hard you worked for it, missing days out, and precious time with them to do an extra shift to provide money to buy more 'STUFF'. Or will they remember the time you spent with them, having fun, watching your favourite films, making your favourite foods, making them feel special and like they are the only one that matters.

Keeping it simple both possible and rewarding.

Christmas for my husband, children and I is now about being together in an environment free of judgement, full of unconditional love, with all our favourite films, lots of home-made food, corny Christmas jokes, lots of laughter and long walks together. Our son gave us the most precious gift of all 7 years ago, he saved our family life.

My Christmas message to you all

Don't wait for a wake up call to change how you live your life, STOP right now take a look around you and ask yourself is all this 'STUFF and STRESS' worth it? Could a simpler life bring you more happiness? Well I can say without a doubt 'YES' it can.

If you are struggling with your thinking and are ready to make some changes, then get in touch I have some incredible coaching sessions on offer in January 2013, that WILL change your life.