 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Emerging Christmas Trends We asked Founders and Marketing Managers for their insights on emerging trends that might affect Christmas celebrations this year. From shopping locally for gifts to creating holiday staycations, here are several predictions from these experts.
Shop Locally For Gifts This year, there’s a noticeable shift toward purposeful gifting. Families are increasingly turning to small, eco-friendly, or socially conscious shops for meaningful presents. In the world of children’s gifts, family members are finding design-driven, imaginative toys from well-curated local stores. As the holidays approach, this trend of shopping locally is expected to expand, with more consumers purchasing from pop-ups and holiday markets. - Avanti Paul, Founder, Presently Embrace Interactive Advent Calendars One trend in progress that seems likely to affect our festive celebrations is the growing popularity of the advent calendar, where one unlocks a different daily experience via technology rather than simply ripping open a chocolate wrapper. These interactive advent calendars could be filled with little surprises: a personalized greeting from a loved one via video message, a virtual reality experience, or a game with surprise elements featuring your next-door neighbor that gets more manic as Christmas draws nearer — the only limit being your imagination. It feeds into growing demands for personalized and experiential gifting, as well as delivering a gift countdown that’s interactive and intensely personal. What if you could share the daily pleasure of seeing what you’d find behind the advent door with family around the world, all the time knowing it was your own unique treat? This clever use of technology creates a tradition that can be both intimate and innovative, which makes the advent calendar part of Christmas itself rather than just an adjunct to it.- Erin Hendricks, President and Owner, Sammy’s Milk Celebrate With Digital Togetherness An emerging trend we’ve identified is the focus on digital togetherness for Christmas celebrations. With many families scattered across different locations, people are using technology — Zoom parties, virtual games, and digital countdown calendars — to celebrate the holidays in more creative, connected ways. It’s not just about exchanging gifts anymore, but also about creating shared experiences online. This trend is especially relevant in the eLearning space, where we’ve seen more demand for holiday-themed online courses and interactive workshops. Families are embracing virtual learning as a fun, festive activity to bring them together during the season. It’s a shift toward more meaningful, experience-driven celebrations, and we see this digital integration becoming a central part of how people engage with Christmas. -Christopher Pappas, Founder, eLearning Industry Inc Optimize For Mobile Shopping One emerging trend I foresee is the rise of mobile shopping. Over 60% of e-commerce transactions now happen on mobile devices, and that number will only grow. Brands that optimize their mobile shopping experience, offer mobile-exclusive deals, and seamlessly integrate mobile payment options will win big this holiday season. My agency has helped several clients improve mobile conversion rates by over 30% simply by improving page load speeds, using larger buttons, and simplifying the checkout process on mobile. Another trend is the popularity of sustainable and eco-friendly gift-giving. Consumers today care deeply about the environmental impact of the products they buy. Brands that promote sustainable, organic, or upcycled products and practices will resonate with this growing segment of conscious consumers. One of our clients saw a 45% increase in revenue after rebranding to focus on eco-friendly, sustainably sourced products and redesigning their packaging and marketing to match. - Chase Chappell, Founder, Sirge Give Experiences Over Things I foresee sustainability becoming an even bigger part of how people celebrate the holidays this year. Our recycled greeting-card sales have jumped by over 40% from last year, showing that customers want earth-friendly options for connecting with loved ones over the holidays. Another trend I see emerging is supporting small businesses. The rise in shopping from small brands reflects buyers’ desire for more personal, meaningful gifts. We’ve found success through partnerships with other local makers to promote buying from independent artists and sharing values of sustainability. Finally, people seem to be placing more importance on experiences over lavish spending. Instead of an extravagant office party, one of our corporate clients opted for a zero-waste cocktail reception where employees could mingle in a casual setting. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with people appreciating the relaxed vibe and chance to connect with coworkers. Focusing the holidays around experiences, community, and sustainability is becoming popular. Buying from and supporting local, independent businesses is a great place to start. - Eric Koenig, Art Director, Twigs Paper Send Gifts Virtually One emerging trend we’ve noticed is the rise of virtual gifting. With the continued integration of digital platforms into everyday life, people are opting for more creative ways to send gifts virtually — whether it’s personalized video messages, e-gift cards, or curated online experiences. This trend is largely driven by the convenience factor, but also by the desire to connect in more meaningful ways, even across distances. We saw this firsthand with one of our e-commerce clients last year. By offering customizable digital products, they saw a significant spike in holiday sales, especially from customers sending gifts internationally. As digital marketers, the lesson is clear: brands that embrace virtual gifting and offer easy-to-navigate platforms for personalization will have an edge this holiday season. - Victor Julio Coupé, Partnerships Manager, Digital Web Solutions Buy Quality Over Quantity There’s a real movement towards buying less but buying better. Shoppers are becoming more intentional, seeking out quality items that have a story or purpose, rather than just checking boxes off a gift list. I believe this will translate into more thoughtful gift-giving this Christmas, where people focus on the meaning behind a gift rather than its price tag or brand. Experiences, handcrafted items, and personalized gifts are likely to gain even more popularity, as people look for ways to connect on a deeper level, especially after a few years of global uncertainty and disconnection. - Reilly James, Marketing Manager & eCommerce Optimization Expert, William Morris Wallpaper Gift Relaxation Experiences There’s a noticeable trend toward gifting experiences over physical items. People want to give something that creates memories — a cozy night in with a warm drink, a DIY wellness kit, or a personalized relaxation package. It’s a response to the fast-paced, often-stressful lifestyle many have faced recently, and it’s changing how brands position products for the holiday season. It’s not just about selling a product anymore; it’s about offering an experience that brings comfort, connection, and a sense of well-being, marking a significant shift from the traditional holiday marketing approach. Loris Petro, Marketing Strategy Lead and Digital Marketing Manager, Kratom Earth Create Holiday Staycations I see a trend for “staycation”-based celebrations that will be popular this Christmas season and can influence holidays as people look to recreate holiday parties at home as we continue to have travel misgivings. In many other areas, as well, we are seeing a movement toward local and home-based festivity. The hospitality industry can position itself nicely toward these home-based holiday experiences. In a practical sense, we could witness a rising trend of “holiday staycation” packages, such as a “winter wonderland” spa experience — a holiday-themed, aromatic way to bring the holiday atmosphere right into a shopper’s neighborhood salon offering. In addition, we could offer home visit kits with holiday-themed aromatherapy sets, Christmas-covered facial masks, and luxurious skincare products to transform the living room into a spa-like oasis. These offerings allow a shopper to look and feel their best while still avoiding the need to travel extensively, serving the local-minded and home-bound gift-giver a holiday tradition of self-indulging and pampering. This approach could create a new norm and a tradition for how people treat themselves and unwind during the holiday season, offering a novel and personalized experience. - Alexander Henschel, Digital Marketing Manager, Boulevard
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 Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Family Home Purchases When it comes to the significant investment of purchasing a home in 2024, Style My Soul asked professionals to dispense tips for consideration. From the importance of considering resale value and growth to planning for short-term needs and ignoring rates, these real estate experts share their top considerations to guide your home-buying journey.
Consider Resale Value and Growth Future resale value and community growth potential are key considerations when buying a home in 2024. We’ve bought over 1,200 properties, and I can tell you that homes in areas with strong economic indicators and planned developments often appreciate faster, providing better long-term value for families. - Carl Fanaro, President, NOLA Buys Houses Prioritize Safety and Schools Safety and schools are absolutely crucial when buying a home in 2024. We’ve seen families thrive in neighborhoods with low crime rates and top-notch educational facilities nearby. We’ve helped countless clients find their dream homes by prioritizing these factors, ensuring a secure and nurturing environment for their loved ones. - Jacob Hale, Lead Acquisitions Specialist, OKC Property Buyers Access to Parks and Resources Families should really consider access to parks and community resources when buying a home in 2024. We’ve revitalized numerous Dallas neighborhoods, and I’ve seen firsthand how proximity to green spaces and local amenities can dramatically improve quality of life. Nothing beats seeing kids playing in nearby parks or families enjoying community events right in their own neighborhood — it’s what makes a house truly feel like home. - Lance Doty, Owner, Home Buying Guys Location and Green Features Matter As someone with over 30 years of experience in commercial real estate, I would say the top two things for buyers to consider in 2024 are: Location and zoning. Before purchasing any property, review how the local government plans to develop surrounding infrastructure and demographics. A property in a developing area with new transport links or a growing population offers significant long-term value. Check zoning laws to ensure your intended use is permitted and will not face regulations that reduce functionality or appeal. Green features. Energy-efficient and eco-friendly properties are increasingly in demand. Installations like solar panels or non-toxic building materials make a property appealing to environmentally conscious buyers and cut operational costs, ensuring higher resale value. Sustainable real estate is projected to become the industry standard, so investing in a building already equipped with green upgrades future-proofs your asset. - Joe Stance, Owner, Stance Commercial Real Estate Assess Market Trends and Energy Efficiency There are two critical factors to consider: market trends and energy efficiency. First, market trends are crucial. Real estate markets can fluctuate based on economic conditions, interest rates, and local developments. In 2024, it’s essential to research current market conditions in the area where you plan to buy. Look at trends in home prices, inventory levels, and neighborhood growth. Understanding these trends will help you make an informed decision and avoid overpaying for a property. Second, energy efficiency is increasingly important. With rising energy costs and growing environmental awareness, homes with better energy efficiency ratings can offer long-term savings and a smaller carbon footprint. Look for properties with modern insulation, energy-efficient windows, and updated heating and cooling systems. Check if the home has green certifications or energy-efficient appliances. These features not only contribute to lower utility bills but also enhance the property’s value and appeal. - John Gluch, Owner, Gluch Group Property Condition and Renovation Potential When purchasing a home in 2024, carefully evaluate the property’s condition and potential for renovation or upgrades. As an investor myself, I’ve learned that homes with good bones but outdated features can be gold mines for buyers willing to put in some work — just make sure you factor in the cost of any necessary improvements to your budget before making an offer! - Liz Hutz, Owner, Liz Buys Houses Focus on Infrastructure and Layout As an owner of a general contracting firm, the top two considerations I always advise homeowners to focus on are infrastructure and layout. Infrastructure refers to a home’s foundation, framing, plumbing, electrical, and heating/cooling systems. These core components significantly impact comfort, maintenance costs, and resale value. During renovations, it’s best to upgrade infrastructure for maximum efficiency and longevity. For example, we recently helped a client install a geothermal HVAC system, which lowered their energy bills by over 50% and qualified for tax incentives. A home’s layout and floor plan are also key. An open-concept space may be trendy but not ideal for all lifestyles. Consider how you live now and may live in the future. For growing families, a finished basement provides versatile space that can transition as needs change. For empty nesters, a main-floor master suite eliminates the need for stairs while maximizing natural light. Think about flow, storage, and how rooms connect. Minor tweaks to a layout can dramatically improve functionality at a fraction of the cost of an addition. In summary, a home’s infrastructure and layout are foundational to comfort and costs. Focus on high-performance, sustainable materials and a floor plan custom to your needs. These factors significantly impact your experience of a home, not just now but for years to come. Choose wisely, and you’ll reap the rewards. - Brayden Montgomery, Owner, Vantage Builders Understand Full Financial Obligations One of the most important things to consider when purchasing a home is having a true understanding of the entire financial obligation you are making: the mortgage itself, taxes you may be accruing, any MPI you may be paying, HOA dues you may be obligated to make, not to mention the expenses associated with owning a home. The second thing to strongly consider is the entire list of “must-haves” and “like-to-haves” and how you will prioritize these. But, more importantly, not compromising. When you say that something is a “must-have,” how can you justify excluding that item? - James Vachon, REALTOR® / Broker, F.C. Tucker Company Plan for Short-Term Needs, Ignore Rates I was asked by my clients to make sure they understand what their short-term needs are for housing. Too many people plan decades down the road and wind up in a house that doesn’t work for them. The second thing is that we marry the home, not the rate, meaning don’t get tied up in today’s interest rates because they will change. It is more important to find a home that works for you and your family. - Jason Beattie, Realtor, eXp Realty Criteria and Feel Are Essential The top two things to consider when purchasing a home in 2024 are criteria and feel. What I mean by criteria is, does it fit your needs? Does it have the practicality aspect? For example, I was helping a young couple that needed a primary bedroom, a guest room, and room for a home office. Without those necessities, they wouldn’t be able to live comfortably in the home. Despite plenty of two-bedroom homes being more affordable and looking great in photos, living there would have made life more difficult, instead of easier for them. The second is the “feel.” There are plenty of homes that will meet the specs you are looking for, but how do you feel when you step inside? What about when you pull into the neighborhood? That warm feeling of “home” is irreplaceable in the right place and will make all the time, energy, and money you put in so worth it! - Lindsey Pearlstein Smith, REALTOR, Bramlett Residential  Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Dropshipping Business In the bustling world of eCommerce, dropshipping has become a hot topic, often touted as a simple way to earn passive income. We’ve gathered insights from industry experts, including Chief Marketing Officers and CEOs, to dissect the realities of dropshipping businesses. From the necessity of active involvement to how a niche focus amplifies your rewards, our experts weigh in on the advantages and disadvantages of this popular business model.
Active Involvement Drives Dropshipping Success Dropshipping, like any other business model, requires active involvement to succeed. One common misconception is that it’s a purely passive income stream, but a competitor can easily outpace you if you’re passive about it. The key advantage is that it allows you to start with a lower upfront investment, but the real value lies in building a lasting brand. Whether you’re dropshipping or using another e-commerce model, the brand you create is what endures. Many entrepreneurs give up when they hit their first obstacle, but the ability to pivot and adjust their approach separates those who succeed in e-commerce from those who don’t. - Mike Zima, Chief Marketing Officer, Zima Media Global Reach Expands Market Opportunities One of the most fascinating features about dropshipping is its international reach. An internet store allows you to market and sell to clients all over the world. This was especially exciting for me because it allowed me to enter international markets without the requirement for physical stores or complex logistics. The internet offers a broad platform for showcasing products to a global audience, perhaps leading to improved sales opportunities. For example, targeting several countries or regions might help you diversify your consumer base and lessen reliance on a single market. However, reaching a worldwide audience presents unique challenges, such as dealing with international shipping and comprehending local regulations. Despite these challenges, the possibility for broad market reach is a significant advantage that can fuel growth and broaden your commercial horizons. - Timothy Allen, Director, Oberheiden P.C. Dropshipping as a Fulfillment Model Dropshipping isn’t some magic money-printing machine, nor is it a super innovative e-commerce model; it’s simply a fulfillment model. You need to be able to build a successful e-commerce business, whether it’s dropshipping or holding inventory — dropshipping is just your fulfillment model. Ninety-nine percent of the stuff you see online about starting a dropshipping business is hype. The only real advantage to dropshipping is that you don’t have to purchase or store inventory, but there are downsides, such as not having as much control over your supply chain or customer experience. - John Frigo, eCommerce Manager, Best Price Nutrition Inventory and Shipping Control Challenges From a logistics perspective, a significant disadvantage of investing in dropshipping businesses is the lack of control over inventory management and shipping processes. As a dropshipper, you’re entirely dependent on your suppliers for product quality, stock levels, and timely order fulfillment. This dependency can lead to issues such as stockouts, delayed shipments, or inconsistent product quality, all of which can damage your reputation with customers. Also, because you don’t handle the products directly, addressing quality control issues or customizing offerings becomes challenging. While dropshipping may seem attractive due to its low upfront costs, the limited control over crucial supply chain elements can make it difficult to maintain customer satisfaction and build a sustainable, scalable business in the long term. - Adam Lenhart, Managing Partner, Optimum Supply Chain Recruiters Low Startup Costs Versus Distracting Core Business As a web design agency, I’ve had clients ask about dropshipping as a way to diversify revenue. The biggest advantage I see is low startup costs. You can test products without a major investment. However, profit margins are often very low, sometimes only 5–10%. Many dropshippers struggle to generate meaningful income. There is also a lot of competition, so finding products that will sell can be challenging. For my clients, dropshipping risks distracting them from their core business and expertise. The time spent researching products and managing an e-commerce store could be better spent optimizing their website or creating content to attract new local customers. While dropshipping may generate some extra revenue, building partnerships, improving your online presence, and cultivating customer relationships leads to sustainable growth over the long run. For most businesses, dropshipping should supplement, rather than replace, a smart online marketing strategy focused on what makes them unique. - Jay Owen, CEO, Business Builders Niche Focus Amplifies Dropshipping Rewards As a digital agency founder, I’ve seen both the upsides and downsides of dropshipping. On the plus side, the low barriers to entry mean anyone can start a business with minimal investment. However, narrow profit margins require relentless optimization to scale. One client struggled for years with a general store until we targeted a specific niche, handpicked high-margin products, and revamped their email campaigns. Revenue jumped 65% in three months. Success depends on understanding your niche and boosting lifetime value through personalized marketing. While “passive” income is a myth, dropshipping’s fundamentals work. My company started by solving problems for a niche audience. Dropshippers should take a similar approach, choosing products that genuinely help specific customers. With the right niche and branding, dropshipping can be lucrative. But there are no shortcuts to real rewards. Building a brand and optimizing the customer journey demands hard work. Dropshipping isn’t a silver bullet, but for those willing to put in the effort, the opportunity is huge. Low risk, high reward — that’s worth investing in. - Derrick Boddie, Senior Web Developer & Founder, Mango Innovation  Credit: Style My Soul, www.stylemysoul.com | Widows; Dating and Relationships Embarking on new relationships can be daunting for widows, but with heartfelt advice from experts, the journey can be made smoother. Style My Soul gathered advice from professionals including a matchmaker & relationship coach and psychologists. Their insights range from focusing on comfort and fulfillment to loving yourself and your body.
Focus on Comfort and Fulfillment From my coaching experience, the best tip is to give yourself permission to set your own timeline. There’s no set schedule for when to begin dating again, and it’s important to move at a pace that feels right for you. Accept the process of self-reflection to understand what you’re truly looking for in a new relationship. This could mean finding out the qualities you value in a partner or the type of companionship you desire. Yes, starting all over again can be daunting, but by focusing on what makes you feel comfortable and fulfilled, you can go through this new chapter at your own pace and with clarity about your needs and desires. So when you do decide to take those steps back into dating, you’re more likely to build more meaningful connections that align with who you are today. - Bayu Prihandito, Founder, Psychology Consultant, Life Coach for Men, Life Architekture Embrace the Journey Embrace the journey of self-discovery. It’s important to take time to understand what you truly want and need in a partner before diving back into dating. For example, consider setting aside a few moments each week for quiet reflection — perhaps through journaling or meditative practices. This can help you clarify your feelings and intentions, making it easier to connect with someone who aligns with your new chapter in life. Remember, the right person will appreciate your journey and the strength you’ve gained along the way. - Hajnalka Nagy, Business Owner | Reiki Healer, Cosmic Self Give Yourself Permission to Move Forward My tip would be to give yourself permission to move forward at your own pace and honor your feelings throughout the process. It is okay and normal to feel a range of emotions as you start to open yourself up to someone new. Remember, you are not replacing the love you had; you are making space for a new chapter in your life. Healing and opening yourself to new experiences takes time, so be patient, check in with yourself after each introduction, and trust that the right person will come into your life when you are ready. - Julianne McGowan, Matchmaker & Relationship Coach, Kelleher-International Grieve with Mindfulness and Compassion One sincere tip I can share with widows starting over in the dating and relationship realm is to allow yourself time to honor your feelings of grief with mindfulness and self-compassion before gently opening to the possibility of new connections. It is important to take time to reflect, to feel the difficult feelings and the pain of loss, and to make meaning of the loss. Rather than pushing yourself into dating, focus on reconnecting with your own needs, desires, and boundaries, and getting to know yourself again.Healing and self-love create the foundation for meaningful relationships, and it’s essential to take as long as you need to heal, recognizing that your late partner will always be a part of your story. Be kind to yourself during this process — there’s no timeline for healing or finding love again, and every step you take can honor both your past and your future. - Lauren Korshak, Therapist, Lovewell Slow Down and Avoid Overcorrection The two biggest issues I see with widows are intertwined: choosing a partner who is very different from your spouse, and getting married too quickly. I call it “the overcorrection.” If you had no chemistry with your spouse, you overvalue chemistry. If your spouse wasn’t financially stable, you look for money. The problem arises when you find someone who is the opposite and dive into a committed relationship because you’re older. The theory is that you have less time and you’re smart enough to know what you want. Except two-thirds of second marriages fail, and three-quarters of third marriages fail, which means that there are a lot of older people who find partners who seem “better” than their spouses, only to discover that they didn’t date long enough to see their flaws. My advice: slow down. If you’re widowed, give yourself the grace to date someone for two years before tying the knot. And if that seems like too long, remember: if you’re speeding, you’re more likely to miss your exit. - Evan Marc Katz, Dating and Relationship Coach for Women, EvanMarcKatz.com Redefine Your Life on Your Terms Being ready to date or for a relationship is centered around your healing journey. Part of healing is understanding yourself, practicing self-love, and redefining your life on your own terms. Take about 30 minutes daily for self-reflection, to acknowledge your feelings and progress. Try to dive deeper daily into what makes you feel happy, secure, and valued. Consider what your most important needs and key life values are, such as faith/spirituality, money/finances, family/children, and health/fitness. Communicate these to potential partners early on to determine whether their values align with yours. Develop a dating blueprint of your ideal partner. Be clear about who and what you want, what your “must-have” qualities are, and know your non-negotiables and deal-breakers. This consistent practice of self-reflection helps ensure that when you do start a new relationship, it’s based on a foundation of true self-awareness and emotional readiness, not just a need to fill a void left by loss. - Avarel Smith, Founder/CEO, Seeking Synergy LLC Look for Someone with Similar Values As a therapist and someone who wants the best for you… allow yourself to grieve the first year. You must go into this voluntarily, or else you might not ever do this very necessary, yet difficult process. If you skip it, you could be triggered subconsciously and often in your next relationship. Grief is the part where acceptance, feeling feelings, letting feelings come and go, and hopefulness come into play. My sincerest warning is… many people will try to fix it by introducing you to someone too soon. You might even try to do this on your own. Also, some people prey on vulnerable people and can show you a slanted and very skewed version of who they are, causing more heartbreak in the end. Trauma causes difficulties in executive functioning/decision-making. Give yourself time to heal. Once you are ready… acknowledge you will not replace anyone, so this will be different. Look for a person with very similar values, rather than interests. Build a friendship first — don’t trust anyone who rushes you. Be interdependent — not codependent. Make sure they have a pattern of positive relationships & behaviors. Trust in patterns, please. Look at your county’s clerk of court website for a history if you don’t know the person. The blessing of dating midlife/older is that we can see patterns of behavior in someone’s life and don’t have to guess. Be realistic in how this person would be around your loved ones if part of your family. Believe love can happen again, but don’t ever settle for anyone who doesn’t share your values. You’ve been through too much already. - Janelle Paris, Founder, Co-Owner, MAEd., LPCC-S, Guiding House Give Yourself a Full Year Give yourself a full year to reinvent yourself after fully grieving and reaching healthy acceptance with this significant loss and the major life change that comes with it. People often date too soon and don’t factor in the reinvention phase where you are fully on your own. This is a major identity shift that widows and widowers must go through. Don’t squander the opportunity to step into a new version of yourself. You had your spouse to consider for every decision, and now you’re on your own. It takes some getting used to. Also, for people who were caretakers, enjoy time free from caretaking. You deserve it. - Lisa Concepcion, Certified Professional Life Coach and Founder, LoveQuest Coaching Learn About the New You I’ve been widowed for 12 years. I’ve been a dating and relationship coach for 15 years. When my husband was alive, I only coached divorced people (because I had experienced divorce prior to meeting him). Then Tony died suddenly five years into our marriage, and I suddenly experienced widowhood. After a few years of continuing to coach divorced people, I found a meetup of widowed people through SoaringSpirits.org and learned how important it was to “sit” with people who truly understood my journey. This also opened the door for me to meet widowed people who were struggling to learn how to date in this new world of dating. Most of the widowed people I’ve met were married a lot longer than I’d been — 20, 30, 40, 50+ years — which meant they hadn’t dated often since they were teenagers. And this new world of dating was very confusing and scary for them. The best tip I can share here for widowed people starting over in the dating and relationship realm is to learn who you are now. Most people feel in the beginning all the things they’re not. Not a spouse, not 20 anymore, not as active, etc. What I suggest is instead to concentrate on all the positive things you are now. Your past experiences that have given you rich emotions, intelligence, experience, compassion, empathy, wisdom, etc. If you find this hard to do, then ask a trusted friend who adores you and will tell you all the truthful positive traits about you. Please write these traits down and don’t edit or delete them. Also, include all the positive traits your late spouse loved about you. Then read them out loud at least twice a day. I suggest doing this before you brush your teeth (it’s helpful to include it with something you already do). This will help you feel more confident as you venture into making new friends and ultimately venture into dating. Feeling confident will also help you define and confirm who you’d like to include in your future life. This is something I did for myself after Tony died, and I’ve given this as homework to my hundreds of clients, and we’ve all found it helps us feel better about ourselves 100% of the time. - Christine Baumgartner, Expert Dating and Relationship Coach, The Perfect Catch Honor the Love You Shared with Your Spouse Remember the love that you shared with your spouse and use that to fuel your new journey to your next love relationship. It is a rare gift in this world to have a wonderful love relationship, and then to be able to share love again at a more mature age: truly priceless! Honor yourself by having the courage to step out on that journey once more. Honor your loved one who has passed by bringing the love you learned with them, and sharing that love in your next relationship. - Sandy Tomey, Love & Relationship Coach, Sacred Journeys Coaching Love Yourself and Your Body One sincere tip I would share with other widows starting over in dating is to truly cultivate self-love and appreciation for your own body. It’s so easy to focus on the loss, the pain, and the changes that widowhood brings, but real love starts within. Reconnecting with myself, my body, my emotions, and my desires has been the foundation for finding love again over the 69 years of my life, not just with others, but with life itself. I’ve learned to honor my body as something sacred, especially after all it’s been through. Taking care of myself, whether it’s through nurturing practices like a relaxing massage, eating food that makes me feel good, or simply taking a moment to appreciate my body in the mirror, has helped me feel alive again. Sometimes heartbreaking experiences cause us to fall into a cycle of self-neglect, and this can deter us from connecting with our ability to feel good about and love ourselves, and to attract the love we desire and want to experience. By loving myself first, I’ve noticed that I attract more positive and fulfilling relationships, both romantic and otherwise. Starting over in dating has been less about searching for someone to fill a void, and more about stepping into the world with inner peace, confidence, and an openness to whatever new experiences may come. It all begins with how I treat myself. Another heartfelt tip for widows starting over is to embrace vulnerability as a path to healing and connection. In my book, Divine Sexuality, I speak about the importance of being present and authentic in relationships, especially when integrating past experiences into a new chapter of life. Starting over doesn’t mean forgetting the love that was lost, but rather honoring it while opening up to new possibilities. I encourage my students to tap into deep, sacred self-awareness and to be honest with themselves about emotional needs and desires. When we understand ourselves deeply, this can lead to more authentic and long-lasting connections, as we don’t allow our repressed selves to unconsciously surface and cause strain in our relationships. This can occur when we do not allow ourselves to feel the authentic pain that a heartbreaking experience can bring, and we suppress it. We then expose others or new dating prospects to this unresolved pain. - Ma Ananda Sarita, Founder, Tantra Essence  Credit: Kathryn Glenn, Founder | Far and Wide Outside (farandwideoutside.com) Are you a gym rat looking to take your exercise routine to the next level? Or maybe you’re a busy professional, parent, or student, and you know that you should add some exercise to your day. The bottom line is that everyone can benefit from a little - or a lot - of outdoor exercise. The benefits range from both improved physical and mental health to saving money and time. The Physical Health Benefits of Outdoor Exercise It is common knowledge that exercise is important. From increased strength and endurance to improved cardiovascular health to better immune function, the benefits are well-known and important. Both indoor and outdoor exercise can give the body these boosts, but doing your workout in nature adds a few extra elements into the mix. You’re less likely to catch a respiratory illness (especially in the sickness-prone winter months) like you would be at a gym. Plus, fresh air is refreshing to the soul. Additionally, the Vitamin D you’ll get from the sun will improve bone health and immune function. Pairing these physical health benefits with the mental health benefits of outdoor exercise and you’ll feel great! The Mental Health Benefits of Outdoor Exercise While exercise is generally good for mental health, working out in nature elevates your mental health even more. A short 15-minute walk in a nature setting, like a tree-lined street or path around a green park can reduce stress and anxiety. Another common benefit of spending time in nature is a sharper mind. Attention and concentration will improve and can be replenished better than alternate activities like scrolling your phone or taking an indoor break. Comparing an outdoor workout to an indoor one can promote motivation as there is more varied scenery and changing terrain. A local nature trail or hike may be just what you need. It can be more interesting and easier to do with a friend. Social interaction also has incredible mental health benefits! Outdoor Exercise is About Time and Ease Incorporating outdoor workouts into daily life can be simple. If you swap an outdoor run for one on a gym treadmill, you’ll save commuting time. Eliminating the barrier of commuting to a gym can increase the likelihood that you’ll stick with a workout routine. Simple ways to incorporate small outdoor workout “snacks” include swapping out phone scrolling for a walk around the block when you need a break. Or take your yoga mat outside to feel more grounded to the earth. Pair walking the dog with something you do regularly, like after dinner and before cleaning up, to make it more routine. On a more drastic level, consider commuting by bike or walking to work. Sometimes you’ll actually save time when you fly through bumper-to-bumper traffic and you don’t have to look for a parking spot. Outdoor Exercise is About Money Yes, some outdoor activities are incredibly expensive, including rock climbing, kayaking, or skiing. However, some of the best ones are nearly free. All you need for a walk, run, or hike is a pair of running or hiking shoes. Invest in a decent bike and you’ll save on gas. You could even consider giving up your car or downsizing to one car for the family. Proper clothing such as rain, snow, and sun gear are essential, but will likely cost less than a frequent pass to the gym. Remember that you don’t have to have top-of-the line equipment. Renting outdoor gear or buying used is also a great way to go. Get Outside! I hope that you are inspired to get a little more sun on your face and fresh air in your lungs. Take one small step today to add a little more outdoor exercise to your life and see how you feel. Enjoy the outdoors and enjoy the day! Meet Our Contributor — Kathryn Glenn From countless road trips to traveling to 30+ countries with kids in tow, Kathryn is an expert in family travel. She’s also an advocate for getting outside and enjoying the physical and mental benefits of nature. Learn more about her work here. |