A guilt-free holiday can be possible

E-mail this story

Print this story

Share

Through working with a personal coach, Cary resident Victoria Cook said she discovered that the profession would be a great fit for her interests and skill set. The owner of the home-based firm, The Guilt-Free Coach, is a member of the International Coach Federation and said she now is in the process of completing requirements to become an associate certified coach. She also is a 2004 graduate of the Coaches Training Institute. Cook started her company in 2004 as Reflections Life Coaching, a name that she said was inspired more by what it meant to her than what it meant to her clients. The personal and executive coach changed it to The Guilt-Free Coach in July. "It's a better articulation of the work I do with clients and the results they obtain," Cook said. "I'm focused on helping ambitious, working moms to thrive and live guilt free," she said. Becoming guilt free relates to the choices that people make and letting go of others' expectations, she said. "I think women tend to bear a bit more of this," said the mother of two, "where they are trying to meet everyone else's expectations at the sacrifice of their own needs, wants, or desires." In a statement released earlier this month, Cook outlined the "Top 10 Tips to Guilt-Free Holidays." Cook said the list reflects what she would want and some of the struggles her clients have had. For a guilt-free holiday, Cook's tips are to: - Stay energized by giving yourself the gift of time. She suggests adding appointments to the calendar for enjoying a hobby or a date night. - Skip holiday traditions that you do not enjoy and add ones that bring joy, laughter, and meaning. - Make someone else's holiday special by visiting an older relative or volunteering. - Spend time with people whose company you enjoy and who are uplifting. - Make a decision early about whether or not to send holiday cards. If you are rushed, consider sending a card in the New Year. - Partake in the merriment of the holidays with food and drink, but find time for a simple workout each day. Play with the kids outside, for example. - Take the stress out of decorating by cutting back or hiring someone to do it for you. - Take vacation time and tune out the office, which will be waiting when you get back. - Own your holiday. Set reasonable expectations and don't let anyone talk you into doing something you don't want to do. - Avoid filling up your calendar. "Living guilt free is a simple choice," Cook said, "and it's the best choice to make for ourselves, families, and communities." For more information on Cook and her business, visit www.theguiltfreecoach.com or call her at (847) 875-7888. - Stacey Lohman is business editor of the Northwest Herald. She can be reached by e-mail at slohman@nwherald.com.