As we all prepare for what the holiday season means for us,
it is important to remember that one size doesn’t fit all. We are barraged by constant ads showing
excitement, festivities, and gift-giving.
Whether we realize it or not, advertising is trying to ramp us up to
feel something that will motivate us
to try to create the advertiser’s pictures in our own lives.
For some, this is
motivating and inspirational. For
others, they are warmed by happy memories and look forward to the current
holidays as a chance to feel that same “warm blanket of happy traditions”. For others, there is a sadness and disconnect
as their life doesn’t look like the images portrayed. Recent or past losses can come to the surface,
and cause real pain. And still for
others, the expectations stack high and stress mounts as the holiday season
becomes about “more” and endless lists and the need to be everything to
everyone.
The holidays are a time of increased stress, no matter if
they are filled with happy anticipation or with concern. At particular risk for stress are individuals
who are: coping with the loss of a loved one, experiencing family problems that
create divisions/separation, far away from home, and caregivers. If you find yourself in one of these groups,
take extra care to be kind, patient and caring with yourself. Engage in stress reducing exercises such as
physical exercise, talking to someone, and/or meditative activities such as
mediation, yoga, or prayer. Find sources
or affirmation and support, starting with loving self-statements for yourself.
Here is a holiday “coping guide” for all of us, with the
hope that you can honor “wherever you are” and make this holiday season
meaningful to you:
Use your feelings as
a barometer to measure pressure inside and around you. Acknowledge how you feel, and make
adjustments.
Love yourself as much
as you love others.
Talk to someone who
is trust-worthy. Be real, especially if
you are hurting.
Release the belief
that there is such a thing as “perfect”.
Look for things to
“feel right” and authentic for you. Look
for things to be “good enough”.
Remember the
importance of what this season means to you.
Honor that in your actions.
Love and connection
are some of the most powerful gifts we are capable of giving.
Balance taking care
of yourself with taking care of others.
Realize you are
enough.
Know your boundaries
and limits. Practice saying no. Practice saying yes.
Ask for help when you
need it.
Remember to breathe. Breathe deeply into your core and say to
yourself, “Relax”. Breathe out slowly
and say to yourself, “Let Go”.
Hold onto whatever
feeds your soul.
Practice gratitude.
Practice faith.
Practice tolerance
and acceptance of those who feel and think differently than you.
Enjoy moments.
And laugh as often as
you can.
Make this list your
own, adding on whatever inspires or grounds you!
Wishing you peace, Lisa
