Holidays come with both joys and challenges and we will share a few tips to support our journey during busy seasons. In the moment we can choose how to navigate the holidays and bring more joy into our busy lives.

Today’s Episode Overview:

Setting the pace for how we want to engage during stressful times

Choosing joy in our everyday lives

We have a choice in every matter

How does it feel in my own body? Is it bringing me joy?

Set boundaries for how you want to interact during stressful times.

PART 1

Strategies to connect with family members who are out of town.

Virtual celebrations

Virtual postcards

Write letters

Mail gifts

Door Dash delivery

Prioritizing your self care

How much sleep do you need?

What brings you joy?

Setting up a puzzle for all to enjoy

Journaling

Mindfulness in activities

Closing Thoughts

Reflection: Being mindful of how

Call to Action:

What actions are you taking during the holidays, to support yourself? Make a list of your activities and new things to try like Hosting a friendsgiving event. Having a Charcuterie board party. What will you try this year?

Show notes for In the Background of Life with Kelly Ramsey

December Daily - Ali Edwards

https://aliedwards.com/december-daily

December Pause - Liz Lamoreux

https://www.lizlamoreux.com/here-december-pause

211 Helpline - Oklahoma

https://oklahoma.gov/okdhs/library/resources/oklahomard211.html

Therapy for Black Girls

https://therapyforblackgirls.com/

You can learn more about Kelly's expertise here:

https://www.developpeople.org/

You can find all My Favorite Podcast episodes here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1LaSWXg7U5lAeUXykt7CNo?si=bed21ea1ddb045e6

Thanks for listening!

This episode is all about the connections we make with ourselves during the holidays, personally and in the community. What is it to explore the emotions involved in celebrating the holidays? We will delve into the connections to family during a time of celebration and fellowship with those around us. Home for the Holidays is all about filling our lives with the things that matter most and the people we share them with.

Today’s Episode Overview:

What is home for the holiday?

A place to rest and be comfy with those we love and share life with.

Home

A physical place

A sense of well-being we create

The people we share life with

The experiences we share with those we care about

Honoring family traditions

Creating new traditions

What does home mean to you?

Nostalgia

Special Moments

“Home is not a place it’s a feeling” Cecilia Ahearn

Closing Thoughts

Reflection:

Our time spent with family duing the holidays is priceless. Remember that we can always create new memories and most importantly, what we hold most dear the relationships we cultivate all year long.

Call to Action:

Create a list titled December Memories. Make a list of things you enjoyed during the holidays or celebrations you share as a family or your own personal memories. One simple act will bring back the memories of experiences shared.

Show notes for In the Background of Life with Kelly Ramsey

The Crumpet Shop

https://thecrumpetshop.com/

You can learn more about Kelly Ramsey here:

https://www.developpeople.org/

You can find all My Favorite Podcast episodes here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1LaSWXg7U5lAeUXykt7CNo?si=bed21ea1ddb045e6

After the show, join us for more conversation on our YouTube channel.

https://youtube.com/@inthebackgroundoflife3194?si=q6FTIzXkpYWi9ttS

Thanks for listening!

A look at gratitude everyday and how to make experiences highlight the things that are most important in our lives. Gratitude happens everyday of every year. This episode was recorded in November but can be used anytime of the year.

Today’s Episode Overview:

30 days of gratitude

A lifestyle of gratitude

Focusing on gratitude shifts how we engage in life and live a meaningful life.

Noticing with gratitude

Living with gratitude

30 days of gratitude - Family Friends and Community is an annual event that can be followed throughout the year, Stay connected to developpeople.org for each year's gratitude challenge.

Topics:

Week 1

Gratitude for family

Gratitude practices for the family

Weekly gratitude challenge

Week 2

Gratitude for friends

The science of gratitude and friendship

Weekly gratitude exercise and tips

Week 3

Gratitude for community

Importance of community

Community connections

Acts of gratitude for community

Week 4

Integrating gratitude into daily life

January - The gratitude habit carrying it forward

Closing Thoughts

Reflection:

Gratitude is essential to living a fruitful life.

Call to Action:

Join the gratitude challenge community on Facebook, https://www.facebook.com/DevelopingPeopleInc/

Create a gratitude ritual. Download our free guide at www.developpeople.org/gratitude

Show notes for In the Background of Life with Kelly Ramsey

Illustrated Faith - The art of noticing

https://www.illustratedfaith.com/shop/devotional-art-of-noticing/

Illustrated Faith - Gratitude

https://www.illustratedfaith.com/shop/gratitude-documented-2024-cards-set/

Goldmine and Coco Gratitude journal

https://goldmineandcoco.com/

You can learn more about Kelly's expertise here:

https://www.developpeople.org/

You can find all My Favorite Podcast episodes here:

https://open.spotify.com/show/1LaSWXg7U5lAeUXykt7CNo?si=bed21ea1ddb045e6

Thanks for listening!