the ultimate gift yourself guide
'cause you are SO on the nice list (if even a bit naughty!)
You. Yes, you, are SO on the NICE list this year. I’ve been watching. You’re good. Heck, you’re f$%king amazing. Even with all you have going on. Yes, grief and all - you’ve been killin’ it. (Once I said this in an interview on a griefy podcast and made myself cringe and everyone, said afterward that nobody noticed - so here I am, saying it again!)
Let’s face it. Sometimes we know we deserve a medal for all of the olympic-sized, heavyweight lifting we are doing on any given regular old day. From caregiving to making it through the less than joy-filled days of yore. This season is the MOST for most of us. I know some days I am dancing around in my festive, glittery, holiday variety grief - and other days I can see the light through the (decked out and beribboned) trees.
I say, what better time of year to treat ‘yo self' and have it wrapped with a VERY large bow indeed. Years after my Mom died, I put a new tradition in play. On my birthday and other big occasions, I have bestowed something special upon myself in the name of Ellen. Want to give it a go?
Here are a few ideas for you — that do good, will do you well and just do the do!
The Coalition for the Homeless partnered with over 40 world renowned artists to create limited edition dinner plates to support their advocacy efforts. Shop one of my favorites here by Hank Willis Thomas.
Want to see the Boss? How about house seats to Fallon or a Broadway Show? A few minutes with Punky Brewster or manuscript edits from a best selling author? This Artist’s Against Antisemitism auction is the place to be. Bid away. (My writing course is hiding inside!)
Give or gift yourself a subscription to some stellar stacks! Elena Brower’s Softening Time gives back, and so does The Memory Circle. All of our subscriptions help fund scholarships for grief support. Founding members get a free writing sesh with ME! News Not Noise from Jessica Yellin offers straight-shooting peace of mind. Which, right about now feels pretty priceless.
How about a set of fresh white sheets and plush towels ? This is always a new year, new me reset. My pal Nate does them so right!
One of the shops I miss most since I moved from Chicago to NYC, is Jayson Home. Today everything over $95 ships FREE. (I mean everything. Like, even a SOFA!) Shop all their gifts, it is deliciously curated by the buyers and staff. I have this “it bag” in my cart. Their candle selection is stellar - and so are the pretty matches!
Buy yourself a new book, a delicious fragrance, a few yoga classes, plan a trip (even a daytime re-TREAT) Try something new - a class, a jumprope (have this one and LOVE!).
The moral of this guided tour de force? You deserve something sweet. Just for being you. Sappy? Sure…but it is the damn December truth.
I love this sweet Circle,
x, B
PS. I am home for the hols - if you need me, just holler. PPS. Forward to a friend who deserves a treat too. Feel free to drop a gift in the comments that gives back!