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Thursday, November 28, 2013

How To Keep Your Sanity During The Holidays With A Twist!

Two good friends of mine with me at a Christmas party 2012
We have 'officially' entered the holiday season. The holiday season, for some, is the most wonderful time of the year. On the other hand, for others, the holiday season equates to having to face family drama, feeling pressured to preform community service, spending unnecessary amounts of money and seeing everyone's Facebook post stating and showing how happy they are with their lives. 

While a medium probably exist, I don't hear about it and, so, I believe the Principle of Polarity applies to the holiday season! That is, we are either thrilled to partake in the festivities during this time of year or loathe it altogether. However, if we aren't careful, our jolly attitude can slip when we become overwhelmed from going to parties, buying gifts, and cooking. So, let's take a moment to examine how we can make the best of the holiday season!


How To Keep Your Sanity...

1. Remember to focus on YOU!
Yes, I said...err wrote it! I know some of you are thinking, 'tis the season to put others first and be self-less.' While that is a good concept to behold, remember that if you do not take care of yourself then you will become out of balance. By taking care of yourself, you will be able to give more. You can care of yourself first during the holidays by:
  • Making time each day, whether it's a specific time like in the mornings or mini breaks throughout the day, to regroup. Take deep breaths, drink water, text your friends something random and funny!
  • Buy yourself a gift! Possibly a trinket as a reminder to make time for breaks?
  • Talk it out with your best friend! Your best friend will definitely remind you that everything will work out!
2. Plan and Delegate!
Once we past Halloween, it's as if Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and anyone who happens to have a birthday around this time of the year happens all at once! Time flies! We could have the best intentions to get things done early and in a timely fashion, but 'life' happens. 

The children may catch a cold, we may catch a cold, the car breaks down- you get the picture. However, I have discovered some neat shortcuts to help me with planning and delegating over the holidays. For example:
  • I download the apps of my favorite stores, make an order and have it shipped to my P.O. Box. This cuts down on the lead time it takes to buy gifts and it saves gas money! Because it's the holidays, shipping is usually free or reduced. After the holidays, I delete the app!
  • I send out mass text messages with a picture wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas/Yule, Happy Hanukkah, and Happy New Years. It's another form of gift giving!
  • Don't do it alone! Talk to others who have to do similar errands and accomplish task together! 
  • Piece meal it by buying in increments! Start the shopping early!
3. Maintain Boundaries!
Maintaining our boundaries ties into #1, but this is regarding the people with whom we will be interacting. There will, no doubt, be a few Scrooges, but don't let them steal the holiday cheer! There are people who are unhappy and may or may not realize that they are spewing their negative energy where ever they go. 

Also, there is the pressure of getting the 'right' or 'perfect' gift for our loved ones. How about having to go to various relatives houses for dinners or parties on the same day, such as what married couples do each year? Oh, and what if we forget to buy a present for someone and they show up for dinner...awkward! What if we overeat at Thanksgiving? What if we don't have that someone special by our side for New Years? 

Don't let the anxiety of the holidays break your boundaries! Here are a couple of tips to help you maintain your boundaries:
  • Stay focused on the task at hand. When you remain centered and conscious of what you are meant to do while shopping, partying, and cooking, you will remember not to take things personally and to just bless the 'Negative Nancy' and move on. 
  • When you feel anxious, annoyed, and so forth, remember to take a deep breath and know that some things are out of your control, but you will get through the holidays.
  • Imagine that you are in a bubble of white light that radiates love and understanding and deflects negative energy.


Picture from Love Quotes iPhone app



... With A Twist

I detest the cold weather; but, I love the holiday season! However, there was still a part of me that would be sad because I think about the homeless people and animals or those who don't have a family and are spending the holidays alone. I wondered how I could help them. And, so, I started the holiday season with a different perspective!

I sent the angels to help! I asked the angels to keep the less fortunate warm and to have their stomachs full. I asked the angels to help them find at least one person to spend the actual holiday with so they won't feel alone. And, that was just the beginning. What a twist!

Below is a list I created which gave me a boost of energy and sense of being during the holiday season. You may be familiar with some of the things on the list as some of them can be classified as a family tradition. 

  •  To promote more courage and love in my life during this sensitive time of the year, I meditate with herbals such as yarrow. I just place it on my forehead as I lay down and inhale its aroma.
  • For a more peaceful sleep, I use the herbal passion flower. I place a little of it under my pillow so that I gently fall asleep while inhaling the scent of the passion flower.
  • I ask Archangel Raphael, chief angel of harmony and relationships, to guide me during my interactions with people.
  • I watch holiday classic and modern movies, such as It's A Wonderful Life, A Miracle on 34th Street, White Christmas, Elf, Jingle All The Way, Home Alone, and The Polar Express. I watch those holiday movies because it makes me appreciate more my life and the magic that happens this time of the year.
(I get teary eyed on that part every time)
  • Family traditions: I watch the Thanksgiving Day and New Years Day parades. I watch football on Thanksgiving Day and I watch the Santa Tracker on Christmas Eve! 
  • I use special candles during the holiday season, like candy cane scented or bayberry candles. Candy cane candle just reminds me of the ballet The Nutcracker and bayberry candles are for good luck for the following year.
  • I have a special clear quartz I carry with me so that I amplify my positive thoughts. 
  • I tell people how much I appreciate them and why!

 


Challenge Time!

Which of the above mentioned suggestions will you implement in your life to help you during this time of the year? Maybe you have or already doing some of the suggestions above! Have anything to add? Please state below so we can keep the learning experience going!




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9 comments:

  1. Thanks for your great advice and perspectives on this crazy time of year. It definitely can get overwhelming and I agree making sure you take time for YOU is a must. Reducing that stress will ensure you and everyone around you has a more enjoyable Christmas. Have a great Holiday season ;-)

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    1. You're most welcome, Melissa. This time of the year can be crazy!! :)

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  2. I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect! Gloria (http://happycolorsandgrannygee.blogspot.com)

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  3. I agree that you've got to create time for yourself to stay stress free. I intend to do just that this holiday season.

    I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect! Please stop over at mine; http://flirtyandfeistyromance.blogspot.co.uk

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  4. I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect! I look forward to reading your posts. Please follow my blog back at http://lorenmathisbooks.blogspot.com/

    Thanks!
    L

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  5. I found your great blog through the WLC Blog Follows on the World Literary Cafe! Great to connect!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Amy!! Can you provide the link to your blog? I will follow back!!

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