ThePeopleAlchemist Edit: This Month is for Friends and Family - Be your best self - #SmashYourCeiling, change starts from within -Business & Lifestyle Experimentation for #TheWomanAlchemist

Hello everyone and welcome back! Has your excitement for Christmas set in yet? I know mine has. With just three weeks to go, the festive season is a special one. And, as you know, I always believe that having the right support system is a fundamental step to success, December is a brilliant time to share some love and affection with the people closest to us. These people could be your friends, your family, or even your community at large. This is a month where you surround yourself with people who ignite your inner spark by filling you with warmth, joy and acceptance. A few months ago, I spoke about compliments, and how it is sometimes difficult to receive them – in the same conversation, I spoke about self-worth, self-acceptance and self-improvement. Of course, those lessons come to fruition now as December is most definitely a time where you will receive compliments, and at the same time, you will have the opportunity to dish some out yourself. So, whether you receive praise on your gift choices, your cooking, or your glamorous attire, remember to graciously accept, and preferably make a note of it somewhere, like your journal, so that if and when you experience feelings of self-doubt or negative self-talk, you have something to reference to help perk you up again. I promise you, something as simple as this will make a world of difference in your life.

December is as much about family and friends, as it is about you

Yes, you read that right. As much as you should save your well-wishes, and enjoy your gifts, you should know that there is a certain joy in gifting too. Give to your heart’s content – but also, don’t bankrupt yourself in trying to please everyone. The most special gifts are usually ones that require effort and not your income. Remember it is your presence and not your presents that count. Here are a few sentimental gift ideas for you to consider. I, for one, will much prefer a handwritten note to a store-bought card, but that’s just me. What I can say, though, is that this is the month for friends and family, so don’t think that opening your heart and home to your relatives will deter you from smashing your ceiling – if anything, these are the people who will hold your ladder as you climb towards success. Appreciate them unconditionally. Until next time x