Meaningful Holiday Gifts (a few free ones too!)

I compiled a few thoughtful gifts that hopefully will last longer than New Year’s. It’s for the person in your life who is on a path of wellness and/or someone searching for their calling.

For your friend who is into wellness…

Maybe she’s struggled with chronic illness, autoimmune disease or just wants to live a healthy lifestyle. Here are a few things you can do to help soothe her symptoms this Christmas.

1. Epsom salts. Epsom salts are sold everywhere and are usually under $20. Besides being in the ocean, this is the one thing that instantly makes me feel better. Pain goes away. I feel more relaxed. My immune system calms down and I feel great-almost completely healthy and normal. They have some fun ones at Anthropologie (and there’s a 30% off sale right now). My perennial favorite is the grapefruit salts at Edens Garden.
2. Red light therapy. I’ve only been lying naked in a bed of red light for three sessions, but I can’t stop singing my praises for red light therapy. After getting a short 20-minute session, I’m more relaxed and energized at the same time. And for about ten bucks a session it’s a very doable and affordable way to take care of myself.
3. Tai chi. You get a lot of bang for your buck with this exercise. It doesn’t take long, it’s generally safe for those with compromised immune systems and unlike those “no pain no gain” workouts, it actually makes you feel good. It’s not an intense workout, but it makes me sweat and my thighs are usually burning the next day. If you’re unfamiliar with tai chi it’s revered for its health benefits like getting your blood circulating and helping you with balance. I love Lee Holden’s DVDs and he has one specifically for healing.
4. Massage. Massage doesn’t need much explanation. It’s an important wellness tool especially for people with chronic pain and autoimmune illness. With Groupons and Living Social deals it’s also not as expensive as it used to be.
5. Buy them a book. Books give you hope that your body is strong and has the power to heal. That’s why these were essential to my healing path: Larry Dossey, M.D.’s The Extraordinary Healing Power of Ordinary Things, and Spontaneous Healing by Andrew Weil, M.D.

For your loved one who doesn’t know what his or her purpose is.

1. 1. Listen. The cheapest and best thing you can do is be supportive. It’s not easy to feel stuck. Sometimes it lasts a season and time reveals one’s hidden purpose. But listening while being present and showing up with curiosity and support are wonderful gifts to give the person in your life who feels stuck.
   2. Follow what’s fun. I haven’t read The Fun Formula: How Curiosity, Risk-Taking, and Serendipity Can Revolutionize How You Work, but I heard author Joel Comm on The Portfolio Life podcast and was intrigued. Lot of what he says about taking opportunities you enjoy versus believing you need to “hustle” is something I resonate with. When you do what you love it makes the hard stuff worth it.
   3. Other inspiring books. When I was stuck, I used books as my guide to get out of a job I hated and pursue my dream of being a writer. These are still on my bookshelf for a reason: Glennon Doyle Melton’s Carry On Warrior: The Power of Embracing Your Messy, Beautiful Life, Thomas Moore’s Care of the Soul, Martha Beck’s Finding Your North Star, Steven Pressfield’s The War of Art, Creating a Life Worth Living by Carol Lloyd, Steering by Starlight by Martha Beck, The Purpose of Your Life by Carol Adrienne, and Callings: Finding and Following an Authentic Life by Gregg Levoy.
   4. Hire a coach. I’ve had the same coach for a decade. She’s been a supportive spiritual friend and guide who makes me feel listened to, valued and understood. A coach is meant to be that person. As someone who has been trained to be a Rogerian or person-centered therapist it’s how I coach as well. I want to be there for the person who feels lost and unsure of what to do next, but ready to take the next step. They know in their heart that they were meant to be and do great things, but uncertainty, fear and maybe even an illness has blocked them from their purpose. There are a number of coaches out there and I’d recommend you search for one that’s right for you or your loved one. If you feel like what I say resonates, send me a note at bauyemura at gmail dot com. I have room for one client and I’d love to see if we’d be a good fit. It worked for this girl.

Happy Holidays! Hope you love everything on this list!