This is a spiritual time of year for many people. This year, instead of just going through the motions, take some time to really think about your own personal reasons for the actions you take during times like Passover and Easter.

Slow down a moment and connect with your beliefs to make spiritual choices that truly mean something to you.

When life gets to be overwhelming, many people find writing to be useful. 

Putting things in writing makes them real. It gets laid out in the open and you have to deal with it. It can also help you to feel like your thoughts are safe and no longer have to swim in your head if they’re written down.

Journaling is a good idea when it comes to writing. There are lots of resources online to help you get started. However, when it comes down to it, there is no right way here. Express yourself as you need. That’s what will help the most.

If you’re worried about others reading it, keep the journal someplace no one can find it, like in a clothing drawer, in your car, or at work.

Instead of looking back at everything that went wrong this past year and how you’re going to fix it all in the upcoming year, try noticing everything that went well.

A decluttered heart is one that doesn’t spend its precious energy on the bad. It notices the pain, acknowledges it, and knows there was also joy, and that there will be joy again.

The decluttered heart welcomes the unknowns of the new year with a faith that you can make it everything you need it to be.

A great way to simplify the holidays is by simplifying your holiday obligations.

There is nothing wrong with choosing to slow down and do less over the holidays. In fact, choosing to do less during the holidays can often lead to a much more enjoyable, relaxed and stress-free holiday season for you and your whole family!

Remind yourself often that every time you say yes to one thing, it means saying no to something else. Make sure your “yeses” are saved for the things that matter most to you. Not the things you feel obligated or guilted into doing.

I sometimes look at my cats and think how strange it is that we have animals running around our homes. So why do we?

Because they give back to us in ways nothing else can. Animals are innocent and free of judgement. Not to mention they are often comforting to touch!

Animals are used in therapy for good reason. They have energy that allows us to be free. Whether it’s equine therapy (yes, there is therapy with horses) or simply spending time snuggling or playing with a house pet. Let your furry friends heal you.

We’re taught that indulging ourselves is greedy or leads to excess and is a sin. Then we spend our lives trying to hold ourselves to some standard that doesn’t allow much fun, or going to the extreme opposite and possibly hurting ourselves.

Instead, let yourself have that piece of chocolate cake now and then. A couple of times a year buy yourself something you’ve been eying but thought you should spend the money on. Take a day off, and turn your phone notifications off. Have a spa day!

Deprivation only leads to resentment and longing. Try moderation instead.

There are a lot of people you come into contact in your life. Some of them are neutral, some drain your energy, and some fill your cup.

Spend more time with those people who fill your cup. Let yourself be inspired by them, let them be inspired by you.

Imagine there is a string of light or energy between you and anyone you talk to. When you send energy to them through that string and they don’t send their own energy in return, you become depleted. But when that other person tosses energy back to you like a well-choreographed tennis match, you will be filled and renewed.

Whether you practice yoga or not, there are often lots of interesting workshops and events held at yoga studios that are meant to do things like help you feel more grounded, look inside yourself for insight, and use the time for peace and relaxation outside of your hectic life.