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Put yourself first this month. You can still find worth in your relationships with others, but it all starts with you. Building confidence builds healthy connections. Giving gifts, making boundaries, and finding inspiration are the key cornerstones of confidence-building this December. Start with our contributors. They want to help. 

The Gift of Gifts 

We begin with one of the five love languages: gift giving. An appropriate topic for the month of exchanging presents, i.e., Hannukah, Christmas. For some, exchanging gifts is a year-round affair. Prerna Menon, a licensed psychotherapist, discusses the traits of those whose main love language is gift-giving. Menon challenges any misconceptions about these individuals. Whether it’s you or a loved one, understanding the love languages is critical to further human connection. Get the full picture in ‘Inside Out.’ 

For those struggling to find the right words to attach to gift-giving read Michelle Giordano’s piece. The community counselor and outreach specialist is the contributor for December’s ‘Moral Code.’ A great article for those who don’t have the funds this year to give as they wish. Giordano offers communication techniques to aid these difficult discussions. It doesn’t have to be awkward, though. Showing care comes in so many forms.  

Boundaries Build Confidence 

‘Surrender’ takes readers on an all too familiar journey. Vidya Soman tackles the balance of work and family during the holiday season. Soman wants to help those who feel overwhelmed by end-of-year deadlines and the thought of missing sacred family time. Soman notes various ways to set boundaries at work before and during the holiday season. May it give professionals the confidence to find solace this December.  

Meanwhile, Donna Piper’s details her personal life in ‘Bulletproof.’ Her experience, unfortunately common, chronicles family judgement regarding weight. The tools Piper took on altered her life and built up her body positivity. This piece is the perfect read before reconvening with the family this year. May the boundaries be impenetrable, and the confidence bulletproof. 

Ending The Year with Inspiration 

Work up a sweat with Mary-Ellen Sabat. In this month’s ‘Shape,’ Sabat speeds up our heart rates with her article covering high intensity interval training (HIIT). She covers the basics, benefits and offers a whole routine just for Mass Appeal readers. The holidays may be a cozy time, but that doesn’t mean movement should be abandoned. Find your energy. 

As always, we like to end with some aspirational thoughts. Bertie Cowan offers this gift in ‘Affirm.’ Read Cowan’s positive words to boost your confidence anywhere, at any time.  

Benefit the mind and body with the December issue of Mass Appeal Magazine. There you can read the full pieces. A gift from us to you.