Shirley Avis Coaching

Day 13 - Prioritise Presence over Presents

Your presence is a gift more precious than anything that can be placed under the tree! Choosing to be present is an act of love, soak in the joy of simply being together!

Day 12 - Turn small wins into big joy 🤩

Celebrate every little accomplishment along the way - whether that be wrapping a gift, surviving a family gathering or even just getting out of bed, well done you!! Remember, what you appreciate appreciates, you’re doing great 🥳

My Sober Christmas 🎄
By Shirley Avis

T’was the season of nog and festive cheer,
But I’m steering clear of the booze this year.
No eggnog spiked, no wine in my cup,
Just Heineken Zero to fill me up.

The office party? A testing ground,
With shots and cocktails passed around.
But I smiled and said, “No thanks, my friend,
I’ll keep my dignity till the night’s bitter end.”

No blackout gifts I’d forgotten I’d bought,
No apologies for the drama I’d wrought.
My sober Christmas? A gift to me,
Wrapped in clarity and a headache-free spree.

But my sober Christmas ain’t perfect, let’s be clear,
Estranged from some folks I once held dear.
Romantic flops and family spats,
No heartfelt hugs, just texts that fall flat.

That being said, there’s no tears in my drink,
I’ve learned to heal, to grow and rethink.

Because family’s not always bound by blood,
It’s the friends who show up through the muck and the mud.
They’ve got my back, they’ve earned their place,
With love and laughter and endless grace.

You know who you are - the ones who care,
Who’ve stood by my side through the wear and the tear.
The friends who call, who show up true,
Who’ve cheered me on when the skies weren’t blue.

So I raise my glass to those who stay,
My chosen family, hip hip hooray 🥂

Here’s to the season, joyful and clear,
With good food, good company and plenty of cheer.
No booze required, just laughter to share.
My sober Christmas is beyond compare!

Day 11 - Let’s sprinkle kindness like confetti 💕

A kind word, a helping hand or a simple smile can warm hearts and brighten days! In the business of the festive season, remember: kindness costs nothing and can have more of an impact on someone than you may ever know! Let’s make someone’s day magical 🧙

Day 10 - Make “Self Care” a priority! Don’t let “Busy” get in the way. Schedule NON-NEGOTIABLE me time and watch your day transform with even just a peaceful cuppa, if that’s all you can manage ☕️

Day 9 - Create a spending plan BEFORE going shopping! Prioritise experiences over things to make the season more meaningful! Whilst we are on this topic, I encourage you to check out an amazing YouTube video called The Story of Stuff! It’s eye-opening, thought-provoking and so worth your time, I can’t recommend it enough! I’ll see if I can find the link and put it in the comments!

Day 8 - Be clear about what you’re willing to do (and not do). Setting healthy boundaries will help you enjoy your time rather than resent it 🌻

Day 7 - Stay consistent with your movement (exercise) routine to boost and manage the festive season stress! If all you can manage is a 10 min walk then do that, it’s better than no walk 🚶

Day 6 - Savour your indulgences guilt free by eating mindfully! Slow down and enjoy every single bite 😋 🍰

Day 5 - Mindful Moments: Your Secret Weapon Against Overwhelm ✨🎄

The Festive Season can be magical—but also chaotic. 🎁🌟 Before the stress takes over, try this:

👉 Pause. Breathe. Center.

Take 3 deep breaths before responding to festive chaos. Inhale peace, exhale overwhelm.

This simple practice creates space for calm, clarity and connection - helping you show up as your best self, no matter what comes your way. 🌸

🌟 You’ve got this. Calm is just a breath away. 🌟

🌷 Day 4 - Activate Gratitude 🙏

Did you know it’s impossible to feel angry, stressed or stuck in negativity when you’re in a state of gratitude? Gratitude isn’t just a feel-good exercise—it’s a game changer. It literally rewires your brain, activating powerful reward pathways and boosting dopamine and serotonin, the very neurotransmitters responsible for those incredible “feel-good” emotions we all crave.

Speaking from experience, practicing gratitude has the power to transform your mindset, your energy and your life. It’s like flipping a switch from scarcity to abundance, from frustration to joy.

Now, here’s the challenge: What are three things you’re deeply grateful for right now? I’d love for you to share at least one in the comments—let’s inspire each other!