I was reminded - with Christmas around the corner - that along with Holiday anticipation there can be some Holiday stress too! So I wanted to share a few thoughts I hope will encourage you.
Let’s face it….as much as we love family and friends….when you mix them together you have different personalities and desires….often in conflict with each other! So be sure you check your attitude before a get-together….are you expecting things to go the ‘right way’…usually meaning YOUR way? Or are you open-minded about the experiences you will have?
~ Pay attention to your body when you picture the holiday scene…do you tense up with a “let’s just get through this” kind of mentality?
~ If so, I invite you to take a deep breath and remember WHY you’re getting together in the first place. Is it to create positive memories with and for your loved ones? If you do, consider taking initiative for their creation rather than “just going along for the ride”. And if you want to feel peace and joy, yet instead feel dread at the upcoming event, are there expectations you need to realign? Set your intention to accept the people you’re with….even with their idiosyncrasies!
I’ve heard it said, “Be the change you want to see in this world!”. This year, ask God to help you BE the person you want others to be…if you want ‘Uncle Joe’ to be less critical and demanding….pray that God helps YOU be less critical and demanding of ‘Uncle Joe’! Set boundaries where needed (perhaps you need to limit your exposure to certain people). But once you decide to be a part of the gathering…do yourself and others a favor…choose to be grateful for the moments shared!
Until next Thursday,
Blessings, Deb
PS! Thanks for commenting and sharing!