You know the mom you see at school pickup who is impeccably dressed, whose kids’ clothes are colour-coordinated (and – surprise, surprise - clean), who has registered for summer camps by January, who brings home-baked goods to every playdate, and who never seems fazed by tantrums, accidents or playground antics? The one who makes it look so easy? We all know one. Or two. Or at least we think we do. It’s the mom you’re terrified to become friends with because it would become so glaringly obvious that you don’t have your shit together, that you are not a perfect mother.

I spent the first week back after the holidays in a state of gratitude. Thankful for my family, for my circumstances, for my freedom to work in a career I love, for living in a city that I adore, for my health, for my amazing friends, the list keeps going and going.

You know those days or weeks when you are acutely aware of how lucky you are? So happy that you’re afraid to say it out loud in case you somehow jinx yourself? It was one of those.

I’m generally a morning person. I do my best thinking and writing in the mornings. I love the freshness of the new day. I love the feeling of outdoor early morning runs or a yoga practice to energize my body in the quiet before the city awakes.

One problem: come winter, I hate waking up. So, when I was asked to try out the Philips Wake-Up Light Plus I was genuinely excited.

If you’ve read my past couple of blog posts (hi there, and thanks for reading), you’ve had a taste of some two-minute meditations to help you survive the holidays with your sanity intact.

We’ve figured out how to breathe deep and let go (Just Breathe podcast), and how to fight the fatigue (Get Energized podcast). Now it’s time to count our blessings.

In my last blog post, I started a series of two-minute tips for staying sane through the holidays. Last week’s tip was Just Breathe, to be called upon when your barometer is rising and you need a little zen. On the flip side, this week’s tip is all about energy. And no, not the energy needed to power the twinkly lights on my Christmas tree or the energy that fuels the furnace on those cold dark winter nights.

So … apparently the holidays are approaching. The red cups have appeared at Starbucks, Christmas carols are playing in the stores, and our very own Sarah has been inspiring us with all her gorgeous holiday decor. Don't get me wrong - I love Christmas, the spirit of the season, and the family festivities that go along with it.