Seasons
Greetings friends!
Christmas
can be both wonderful and stressful. So here are 4 quick tips for
keeping you and your relationships on an even keel during the holiday
season.
1.
Adjust your expectations.
In particular, ferret out those expectations regarding people and
things you can’t control. Disappointments abound when we try
to orchestrate how others will think, feel and behave. For example:
• Expecting your spouse/child/friend to LOVE their gift and
express their gratitude in a particular way.
• Expecting that everyone in the family will treat each other
lovingly every moment.
• Expecting your house/the dinner/the decorations/the company
to be “perfect”.
Notice your expectations and decide if they are helping or hindering
you from enjoying the season and your relationships. If they’re
not, let them go.
2.
Take responsibility for your feelings.
You know this one! No one can MAKE you feel loved, peaceful, happy,
angry or frustrated this Christmas. Others may be a trigger for
your feelings, however they didn’t cause them and are not
to blame. Decide how you want to “be” this Christmas
(no matter what) and take responsibility for authoring your own
experience.
3. Make requests. Make requests. Make requests.
Don’t be a martyr (the one doing it all and resenting it)
or a victim (the one feeling blamed by the martyr and resenting
it). Ask for help when you need it. Ask for a break when you need
it. Don’t expect others to read your mind regarding your needs.
And remember: a request can be accepted, declined or negotiated.
4.
Count your blessings.
If you’re not feeling in the Christmas mood, sit down and
make a list of everything and everyone you have to be thankful for.
By the time you’ve finished, it won’t matter what happens
next – you’ll already be experiencing Christmas.
I wish
you all joy, peace, love and play!