It’s the most wonderful time of the year!
This is true for some people, but I also know for many the holidays can be a very difficult time of year.
Maybe you have this “let’s just survive through it” attitude.
Maybe you please your way through the holidays never acknowledging your desires or making them a priority…only to end up burned out, exhausted, depleted, and physically sick as a result.
Maybe you try to control and micro manage everything and everyone.
Maybe you over indulge in food, alcohol, or shopping to numb or distract yourself.
It’s also possible you may be triggered from past childhood memories if the holidays were a time of sadness or if you are remembering loved ones that are on longer here.
Then there are the strained relationships with people that you may only see once or twice a year.
This is what happens year in and year out for so many people. Sound depressing? I am not sharing this to depress you, criticize, or judge. The above experiences happen when you are in a mentality of surviving the holidays. But, there is a better way…
The truth is that the holidays are a time that is rich with opportunities for healing and growth!
Would you like to have a different experience this holiday season? Would you like to experience JOY, LOVE, CONNECTION, and PEACE?
It’s totally possible no matter what anyone else does or says to you. But, it does take a shift in mentality…from surviving through it to thriving!
What is necessary to thrive? I’m glad you asked 🙂 I’ve put together 5 keys to thriving through the holidays…
#1 Set Your Intentions – so many people forget to do this, even those that set intentions throughout the year. It’s very important that you are clear about how YOU want to feel! What do YOU want to experience?
#2 Make NEW choices – you know that saying the definition of insanity is making the same choices over and over again and expecting a different result. If you want to experience something different it all starts with YOU.
#3 Give yourself permission to say NO (gasp!) – Obligations only drain your energy. Again, this goes back to #1…what do YOU want? Make YOUR needs a priority because no one else is going to do that! What if you only said YES to the opportunities that light you up?
#4 Take responsibility for yourself – this means being in your power. No one has the power to make you feel a certain way but YOU. Stop blaming others or situations and be responsible for yourself. When you take responsibility you have the power to make a new choice.
If you want to experience love, connection, joy, and peace then do NOT expect or rely upon others to create this for you. YOU are the source of these emotions and this means you can choose to BE them and put out into the world what you want to experience.
#5 Take deep breaths – you may get triggered by situations or people. Before you react to something, take a deep breath and check in with yourself. How do you want to respond?
I hope this supported you as you head into this holiday season.
With Courage,
Colleen
