Write. Reflect. Recharge.

The end of the year always brings a familiar kind of chaos—holiday shopping, family gatherings, and, if you’re anything like me, trying to carve out moments to rest and recharge. But there’s another season we don’t talk about enough: the use-up-your-benefits-before-the-end-of-the-year season.

If you’re lucky enough to have access to a strong workplace benefits package, this is the time to make sure you’re not leaving anything on the table. These resources—whether for physical or mental health—are designed to help us show up as our best selves. And yet, it’s so easy to let them slip by in the hustle of life.
​
For me, this time of year is about reflecting on how far I’ve come in prioritizing my well-being—and that hasn’t always been easy.

From Giving Endlessly to Giving Back to Myself
I spent a decade working in the non-profit world, where benefits were practically unheard of. These roles, which are predominantly held by women, have been historically undervalued and underfunded. Passion for the cause was supposed to sustain us, but that often came at a cost—low pay, long hours, and no safety net.

When I transitioned to a role at Amazon, one of the biggest changes I noticed was access to a robust benefits package. For the first time, I had real support for both my physical and mental health needs, as well as for my family. These benefits have allowed me to address long-overdue health issues and focus on my overall well-being in a way I couldn’t before.
​
It’s not lost on me that the system isn’t perfect. But having access to tools like therapy, physiotherapy, and even estate planning has been a game-changer in how I approach self-care. After years of being overworked and undervalued, finally having the resources to prioritize my health has been deeply meaningful.
 
Building a Self-Care Routine That Works
Today, my benefits have become an essential part of my self-care routine. They’ve given me the tools to address my physical challenges, focus on my mental well-being, and even take better care of my family—including the furry members. Here’s how I’m making the most of them:

• Physical Wellness Support: Thanks to my benefits, I’ve been able to address physical challenges like a tendon tear and sciatica with regular osteopathy, physiotherapy, and online workouts with a personal trainer, tailored to my injuries. These tools have helped me stay active and mobile, even from the comfort of home.
• Therapy & Wellness Coaching: Mental health matters, and having therapy covered has made it easier to prioritize. My online therapy sessions are a space where I can process life’s challenges and find clarity. I also work with a wellness coach who helps me set health goals and holds me accountable—a structure that’s helped me stay consistent.
• Vet Care for My Boys: As a Frenchie owner, I know how prone these little guys are to allergies and health issues. One of the benefits I’ve come to value most is free access to Vetster, which connects me with licensed vets across Canada at any time. Whether I need advice, a second opinion, or just peace of mind, I can consult a vet for free—no extra costs or hidden fees.
• Estate Planning: One unexpected benefit I’ve grown to appreciate is access to estate planning tools like Willful. Having a will gives me peace of mind, knowing my affairs are in order. It’s one less thing to worry about, and it allows me to focus more fully on the present.

Why Taking Care of Yourself Matters
For so many of us, taking care of ourselves can feel like an afterthought. We prioritize everyone else—our jobs, our families, our communities—and leave ourselves for last. But here’s the truth: self-care isn’t selfish. It’s essential. For me, part of that self-care is pausing to reflect and set intentions—something I often do through journaling.

I wrote about this idea in 10 Little Life Lessons, where Lesson #9 is Take Care of You. When we invest in our own health and wellness, we’re better equipped to show up for the people we love and the work we care about.

This idea connects with the spirit of kindness I talked about in my recent World Kindness Day post. Taking care of yourself is an act of kindness to everyone around you—because when you feel your best, you bring your best to others.
 
Reflecting on Gratitude
As the year comes to a close, I’m reminded of the power of gratitude—not just for the benefits I’m lucky to have, but for the progress I’ve made in prioritizing my well-being. Journaling has always been my anchor in this process. Writing down moments of gratitude, reflecting on the steps I’ve taken, and setting intentions for the future keeps me grounded and focused.

Your End-of-Year Reminder
As we close out another whirlwind year, I want to leave you with this: The most valuable gift you can give yourself is your own well-being. Whether it’s using up your benefits, booking a therapy session, or simply taking time to reflect, these small acts of care are investments in a healthier, happier you.
​
So, write, reflect, and recharge—and don’t forget to acknowledge the progress you’ve made. Gratitude for your journey is just as important as the steps you’ll take next. Remember: you’re worth every bit of care and attention you give yourself.