It’s almost Christmas! For me, personally, it’s always a great time of year. As a Powerfoodie, it’s my time to go nuts in the kitchen. It doesn’t matter where I am – at home or abroad – I always use the holidays as an opportunity to get in the kitchen.
I like to serve the tastiest bites and drinks to my family and friends, like stews, curries, brownies, cakes… Comfort food. And it makes me happy! I celebrate the holidays without a feeling of obligation. There are no rules that I have to adhere to (with the exception of eating as much fresh food as possible). I like to think that when you have something to celebrate, you shouldn’t be too hard on yourself. That’s my motto for life, really. Live mindfully, don’t expect too much of yourself, and focus on the things that you want for yourself. It makes life a lot more fun.

This applies to who I celebrate the holidays with, too. Around me, I see so many people who dread Christmas because it’s a time at which they are forced to spend time with certain family members and/or friends. Why is this necessarily the case? I celebrate Christmas with those I love having around and, because of it, I never feel pressure to be somewhere that I’d rather not be. The energy around me is always wonderful during the holidays and I enjoy the people I’m with at any given moment, 100%. For me, it’s a good opportunity to be mindful.

And, instead of making New Year’s resolutions only once a year, I write a few down each and every month. This month is no different. I call them intentions. I usually formulated them as follows: ‘I would like…’ or ‘I allow myself a bit more…’ The words ‘have to’ and ‘should’ never appear in my intentions. As soon as I have to do something, it becomes negatively charged, an obsession and, as such, a big ask. When you allow yourself something, you’ll accomplish more than you might have ever imagined.

I reflect on my intentions every month, which makes their impact bigger. By formulating achievable goals every month, I keep things manageable. This makes it more likely that I meet my goals. And if I don’t, no worries. Then I give myself the room to get to work in the next month.

As you may have noticed, I spend this lovely time of year being mindful and happy – no stress. I enjoy the people around me, cook what I want to and eat what I want to. I take the time to reflect and adjust my goals for the coming month. 

I hope you make this holiday season into something special that allows you to stay true to who you are. Gather your loved ones around you, make some good intentions, and, most of all, be kind to yourself and want what’s best for yourself. Take care of each other and of Mother Earth. If everyone does this, Christmas 2018 will be unforgettable.

X Rens 

Follow me on Instagram & Youtube. 
Webshop: Powerfoodies Market