I’m linking up with the awesome Kate and the other equally talented writers of the Five Minute Friday community.

This is the GRAND FINALE of Five Minute Friday for 2014 {imagine that}!

Click on the button to the right for more details on what this challenge is all about and how you can participate {it’s not too late to join in}.

GO

You’re checking off lists and checking them twice, preparing for guests, planning menus and braving long lines to ensure we have absolutely everything that you might need to ensure that everyone has the best holiday season.

When do you stop to catch your breath?

Is it in the quiet of the morning, before everyone else wakes up?

I took a walk at lunchtime today because my building was cold and felt I needed the sun on my skin to help me thaw out. As I strolled through Downtown, Port of Spain, all the streets were alive with shoppers.

It seemed like everybody was carrying a bag or in line at a cashier to fill a bag. Most of the faces in the lines had a look of frustration or tiredness and it made my resolve to opt out of gift-buying around this time of year even stronger.

Instead of spending time in lines, I am looking forward to investing quality time with my family and close friends.

As I looked at the tired faces around me or people lugging around huge bags of stuff I had to wonder, why?

For one day? Or in our case here in Trinidad we have a long weekend…so I suppose people are preparing for hordes of family and friends visiting? Maybe?

I get that…but when do you take care of you? When do you make time to cherish yourself during the busyness of the season?

The reason we are sometimes so overwhelmed by everything merry and bright is because we forget that before we can take care of anyone else, we have to take care of ourselves first.

Honor yourself first because you are no good to anyone if you are no good to yourself.

My wish today for all those shoppers and people caught up in the bustle of this festive time of year: Remember to take care of yourself. There is life after the holiday season.

STOP

Short and sweet this week. Happy Everything to my FMF Family! I wish you nothing but the very best! See you in 2015