Many things help brighten our day as we head through the week (random smiles, exhausting sweat sessions). Click on the images below to see some of the stuff that inspired us lately.

'Tis the season to be busy. You know what I’m talking about. It’s the holiday season and we’re all juggling something. Whether it’s work, family and friends, holiday parties, or spending hours shopping for that perfect gift… who can find time for themselves? This is one of the most common times of the year to let our exercise routine go by the wayside. Don’t let it. Here are somes ways to make the most of your season:

put yourself first

Many of us do everything for everyone before doing just one thing for ourselves. Give yourself a gift this holiday season. Focus on nurturing your mind and body by doing a few things to energize, motivate, and help you be happy. One of the best things to do is to exercise. Working out can recharge your batteries during these frenzied days of festivities. By finding time for yourself, you’ll have more to give to others and more holiday cheer.

set yourself up for success

Make the most of your time by scheduling exercise into your calendar. Just like your work or school assignments, appointments and dinners with friends, put exercising on your to do-list. Set yourself up for success by carving some time out for YOU.

nail down a schedule

Take just five to ten minutes a day to come up with a plan so that you can nail down a schedule. Feel like getting your heart pumping by going for a run? Need to find some zen time at a gentle yoga class? Want to let your spirit soar at a dance class? Just like with goals, writing something down helps you commit to that action and will hold you accountable. There will be less wiggle room to flake out if you have it scheduled into your life.

make it a habit

By scheduling fitness into your daily routine, we can eventually create a pattern and make it a habit. The benefits of a healthier and happier you are worth it!

The entire online community team will be sweating every day next month! Join us in January for our "sweat once a day" challenge: www.lululemon.com/community/challenge

Gifts come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they are big, sometimes they are small, and sometimes, they don’t appear to be gifts at all.

What is feedback? At one time in my life, I asked that exact question. From my experience in both giving and receiving feedback, and what I've learned from different training programs at lululemon, here's what I've gathered:

Feedback is a tool to assist the recipient (and the provider!) in becoming great. It consists of a series of words, spoken together, and delivered in the moment the feedback is conceived. Feedback is spoken with candor (frankness, openness, and sincerity) and is not a personal attack.

Feedback is a gift.

Too often, we are fearful of giving feedback, as we are fearful of what the recipients are going to think about us. We are scared, as perhaps we are going to appear mean. We are nervous, as we are not sure how the recipient is going to take it.

Well, guess what?

Feedback isn't about us. It's all about the receiver. So take a deep breath, do others a favour, and give them feedback.

It truly is the ultimate gift.

Who are you giving the gift of feedback to?

My sisters and I share the same parents but we have our own bodies. I may be able to get into the splits and hold a gnarly headstand, but when it comes to endurance activities, all three of my sisters can pass me in a heartbeat. My friend Jessica commented while I was feeling left behind in the dust during a family hike that "the girls are just built differently."

Our bodies shape the type athletes that we become. Athletes come in all shapes and sizes too. Look at gymnast Shawn Johnson and basketball player Yao Ming.

Think of your body as a unique gift that is designed to perform like none other. How would you start loving your body if you stopped comparing it to others? What image you would have of yourself if mirrors did not exist and we based our image off of how we felt inside? After a sweaty hike or a killer dance class my body reaches a potential so high I could flash the sky at the top of a mountain...

Love your body and the possibilities it has for reaching your highest physical potential.