Holidays

The holidays can be tough for most everyone. It seems that the time for us to celebrate being with family and friends–the time to create “Peace on Earth”–is also the time of the year that creates the most stress. Why is this?

It seems that the stress comes from inside. We set up expectations for ourselves of what the holidays should be like–the fun we’ll have, the peace we’ll experience, the friends and family we’ll see again…. And we bring forth unrealistic beliefs about what our family and friends expect from us and think about us.

In other words, we create the stress we feel during the holidays. But, there are ways to get through it and experience a little holiday magic at the same time:

1. Don’t put ideas in their heads.

How often do we approach a situation, especially with family and friends, thinking that we already know how they’ll react or what they’ll think? When you’re out shopping for them, don’t think about their reactions or what they’ll think of your gift. Instead, focus your intention and energy on how you feel about them. Hold in your mind and heart the idea that you love them and any gift you buy is an expression of that love. Allow your heart and mind to guide you to the right expression of those feelings. Imagine them feeling your love and being happy as a result of it.

Your intentions guide your actions. So, focus your energy on your intentions, and have the purest intentions that you possibly can.

2. Relax and Breathe.

The point of the holidays is to experience peace and joy. In order to do that, you have to shift your focus toward peace and joy.

Take a moment out of each day to simply recognize the many blessings you have, to see what’s important in your life and to put things into perspective. Just 15 minutes a day can make all the difference in your life. During those 15 minutes, find a comfortable place, close your eyes, and simply focus on your breathing. After about 10 minutes, shift your attention from your breathing to the question “What am I grateful for?” At the end, take a few deep cleansing breaths, feel love and peace as fully as you can with each breath you take in.

During this exercise, don’t fight your thoughts. Instead, allow them to flow freely through your mind. As thoughts enter your mind, simply acknowledge them without engaging them. Think “that’s an interesting thought” and let the thought move on freely.

3. Focus on Priorities.

No one can do everything all of the time. Don’t give in to the temptation to think you’re living your life for anyone else. Instead, use this time to focus on your priorities. Go back to your intentions with clarity. Let go of those things that don’t fit your priorities or your intentions.

If your intention is to enjoy time with your family, then let go of those things that take you away from your family. If your intention is to experience more joy and happiness in your life, then let go of those things that take you away from that. Find time each day to refocus on your priorities. Think (and say): “My intention in this moment is to ……” Holding your intentions in your mind and heart will allow you to experience a deeper connection with yourself and others.

Find The Joy.

In every moment of every day, there is joy to be found. No one can find it for you. Whether it is simply in the drama of the clouds in the sky, the crashing of the waves, the trees along your street, the friendly smile of a loved one or stranger, the recognition that you’re on the path to your dreams…. whatever it is, you have it. The fact that you have the breath of life is joy enough sometimes. And if you’re having trouble finding joy in any given moment, try shifting your perspective a little bit and look at the moment differently. There is joy in every moment, and you bring it with you wherever you go.

Whatever you celebrate and however you do it…. Happy Holidays!