What do you want the holiday season to mean to you this year?
Do you feel like celebrating? Or are you feeling angry, sad or lonely about the current events and wondering how that will translate to the time you cherish with loved ones over the next few weeks?
It’s ok. It’s been an interesting 8 months, and you’re entitled to feel all those feels!
I will suggest though, that you spend a few minutes reflecting on how you’d like to spend the holidays with some of the limitations that are currently in place, and something I’ve suggested every year in my practice just might be exceptionally appropriate for you right now.
Set an intention for this holiday season.
But first, be realistic and consider:
What’s happening in your life these days? Where are your children or extended family in the current stage of their lives? Given their ages and interests, what do you want the holidays to look like for you?
Every year our lives are a little different, and it’s important to change our expectations accordingly.
This year has been no different! In fact, perhaps it has given us even more perspective.
Decide what you want the holidays to mean, what your priorities are, and how do you want to feel?
Then I want you to write it down. Choose 3-5 words or perhaps write a brief statement or sentence, then put it somewhere you can see it. You can get creative with this! Make it look pretty or decorative if you like, but what really matters is that you will see it and be reminded of what you wrote.
Whether you post it on your fridge, put it on your phone, or write it in a journal that you will look at every day, this is the most important step!
When you have an intention to refer to, it will help you make solid decisions about how you spend your time and money this holiday season.
You’ll feel better about your choices because they will be more realistic with your current lifestyle, and this will ease your mind, and help you find more JOY and less STRESS this holiday season.