DIY December Bucket List

December. The holidays. The events. The parties. The traditions. There is so much to be mindful of this month because before you know it, the month is over and we are left wanting to do some things we inevitably missed during this magical season! I have just the thing to get you in the spirit, spend some quality time as a family and help you plan what matters most to you this month! For under $15, you can create your own December Bucket List, DIY style! This will help you prioritize the special events & traditions you don’t want to miss as well as make a nice decoration you can use year after year!

The supply list is simple to find items and can be customized depending on budget and desires:

Photo Frame
White computer paper
Sharpies (or markers in any color you want)
Paint/brushes (any color you want)
Sticker or embellishments (holiday/winter themed)
Glitter glue or loose glitter
Ribbon
Hot glue gun or tape

You probably read the list of supplies and thought to yourself that you have most of them already at home! Chances are if you have kids or are a habitual crafter like me, you have at least 50% of them stashed somewhere! The next step is really up to you. Paint the frame any which color you want and in any style you wish. Add as much or little embellishments and stickers to the frame as you crave. Skip the glitter or go crazy!  This is you time to be as creative as you want!  My son really was very symmetrical with his design, but there is no right or wrong way to use your imagination. A December Bucket List your way is the best way!

The last step was in my opinion the most fun! We thought of 12 things (sticking with the 12 days of Christmas theme we all know & love) to add to our DECEMBER BUCKET LIST. We cut a piece of computer paper to fit inside the frame before we started. We started reminiscing about all the things we like to do, things we wished we did, things we never wanted to do etc.. We started jotting them down on the scrap paper we just cut from. This helped us narrow it down to the items we knew needed to included and those that did not.

We were so excited to start our list that after we made it, we went out and completed 2 and started a few more! The holiday movie one is an activity that we have been working on since Thanksgiving so thankfully we have a nice head start! Each year I will scrapbook the list with some photographs of the activities listed. Then we will rewrite one every year on Thanksgiving when we decorate the tree. A new tradition is born!  What are some of your not-to-miss bucket list items for the month of December? Let me know what activities you are going to put on your December Bucket List by commenting below!

Merry Holidays~
Joy

J.O.Y.S Yoga Workshop

A few months ago, I was tasked with writing a piece on kids mental health for the Rhode Island Health & fitness magazine.  For years, I have been practicing yoga, coloring and mediation for stress management. Throughout that time, I started sharing my experience with my son. Not only was my stress a little less “stressful” to manage, but so was my sons. Kids are not impervious to stress. So, my article began to write itself in my mind and it turned into a cover story and one I am so proud of. You can read my full article here: Helping Kids Stress Less and Live More. 

Yoga for kids

When I started combining yoga, coloring and visualization into my son’s routine (weekly) I started to see a difference. Even for myself, the change was almost instant. After a quick yoga session or 15 minutes of coloring I instantly felt alive, awakened and an overwhelming sense of calm. This was the type of euphoria I was longing for as I sufferer of anxiety and depression most of my life. Yoga, coloring and meditation are just 3 more tools in the toolbox for coping with stress.

When I was editing my article, I realized that this would make a great program in schools. And then as quickly as the thought popped into my head, it went away. I never thought I would have the courage to branch out that way. About a month after I finished writing and sent the article to the editor, it was published. I received such great feedback.  I truly believe the more tools we have at a younger age for combating stress, the easier it gets to recognize our bodies responses and what we can do to help ourselves.

Yoga1

Since the response was so great, I decided to take a leap of faith and present it to my son’s school. I grabbed the thought from the back of mind and  J.O.Y.S Yoga Workshop (Journal Out Your Stress) was formed. And let me tell you it has been more rewarding than I could have ever imagined. It has helped me overcome some of my own anxieties’ and fears. The kids (all 15 of them) are so unique and so enthusiastic. We have one session left and they are already asking to sign up for more. Bless their hearts.

I spent 2 1/2 months planning the curriculum. Every session has a different theme and I make sure all activities follow suit, which was only capable by doing the research and putting the time in.

Beginning: Basic stretches and welcomes
Topic: Sleep and Relaxation:  How do you feel when you can’t sleep? What do you do? Breathe? Visualize things? Stretch? We discuss our feelings as a group.
Yoga Postures: Go over 6 poses that help calm and are proven to help you sleep better. Invite a child up to teach with me.
Journal Prompt: C.A.L.M picture with the 1.2.3 breathe exercise
GAME: Walking MeditationA simple way for kids to really be present and feel what it is like to be calm, hear calm, think calming thoughts…
Ending: Sun salutation; reduces the feeling of restlessness and anxiety. Hand out sun salutation paper in class to practice at home. 

Of course, the children are the reason I am doing this, so I listen to the cues they give me. I might spend more time on something and skip something all together. I have made slight adjustments here and there. The kids asked for more journaling right from the beginning so I added an extra journal prompt. I am thankful for this opportunity to share my experience with them. I am grateful for their open minds and willingness to share their own feelings with me. I look forward to our final session and can’t wait to share a full report of the program when it is all said and done.

The light within me honors the light within you!

Namaste 

 

Art Therapy – Wordless Wednesday

Art Therapy: Art is an amazing thing. I could talk all day about the benefits of doodling, painting, crafting, sculpting and all facets of art. But- I will just show you how art transcends age limits, disabilities, handicaps: for it is a universal language. One you can interpret how you see fit. Landon had his Intro to Watercolor class today at the Warwick Museum of Art. He went this summer as well- the only 5-year-old in the program designed for 6+ and up. His artwork caught the attention of the instructor and she knew he would excel and take it seriously. He was back for more during February vacation! Here are his pieces that he named himself:

Dragonfly- Elanna's memory

Dragonfly- Elanna’s memory

Flower Brought to Life

Flower Brought to Life

Sunset over Waves & Rock

Sunset over Waves & Rock

I love Colors

I love Colors