Holiday Blues or Holiday Joys? You Get to Decide
Oh those holiday blues. Holiday angst is common among so many people and for so many reasons. However this doesn't have to be the case. You've heard what to do in case of a fire, those three simple words: STOP, DROP, ROLL. Dealing with the holidays can also be summed up in three simple words: STOP, THINK, ACT. Let me explain in greater detail.
STOP
Reliving the past. It's gone, it is no longer a reality. Everyone experiences some kind of loss. Accept this and decide how you want to live now.
The pity party. Again, the past is gone and the present is what you choose to make it. Ask yourself why you are focusing on the hurts of the past instead of making the now a celebration. If your life appears to be full of negative distractions, realize that many of them are under your control You alone create your reality holiday season or not.
Trying to live up to expectations whether they be from family, friends or society.
THINK
What does the holiday season mean to you. Is it a religious celebration, a secular celebration, a mixture of both? Is the season a period of time off where you are free from daily routines? A time where you want to travel and get away from it all? What kind of traditions did you grow up with? Which ones did you like? Which ones still apply to you, which ones don't. What kind of traditions do you want to create for yourself or family that you may or may not have ever had? There are so many unique and wonderful ways to create traditions for yourself and loved ones. This is all about you, in a very positive way! You get to take control of this season and make it your own and in doing so, you will find your joy.
ACT
Now that you have come up with a personal plan for your holidays, start putting your plan into action. Prioritize those things that are most important for you to do or experience during the holidays. This will prevent that overloaded feeling. Another way to better enjoy the holidays and every other day, is to give back to anyone in need. Find a favorite charity or cause dear to you and work for it or contribute to it and plan on making this a part of your routine.
STOP
Reliving the past. It's gone, it is no longer a reality. Everyone experiences some kind of loss. Accept this and decide how you want to live now.
The pity party. Again, the past is gone and the present is what you choose to make it. Ask yourself why you are focusing on the hurts of the past instead of making the now a celebration. If your life appears to be full of negative distractions, realize that many of them are under your control You alone create your reality holiday season or not.
Trying to live up to expectations whether they be from family, friends or society.
THINK
What does the holiday season mean to you. Is it a religious celebration, a secular celebration, a mixture of both? Is the season a period of time off where you are free from daily routines? A time where you want to travel and get away from it all? What kind of traditions did you grow up with? Which ones did you like? Which ones still apply to you, which ones don't. What kind of traditions do you want to create for yourself or family that you may or may not have ever had? There are so many unique and wonderful ways to create traditions for yourself and loved ones. This is all about you, in a very positive way! You get to take control of this season and make it your own and in doing so, you will find your joy.
ACT
Now that you have come up with a personal plan for your holidays, start putting your plan into action. Prioritize those things that are most important for you to do or experience during the holidays. This will prevent that overloaded feeling. Another way to better enjoy the holidays and every other day, is to give back to anyone in need. Find a favorite charity or cause dear to you and work for it or contribute to it and plan on making this a part of your routine.
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