How To Make This Your Best Holiday Yet

We’re there! it’s that time of year again–the stores are filled with sales and people search for that “perfect” gift for themselves or a loved one. Thanksgiving is over and the Holiday season is upon us.

If you’re like me at all, you have mixed feelings at this time of year. On one hand it’s an uplifting time and on the other hand it’s a stressful time as well.

Personally, I love the parties and gatherings that bring people together to share friendship and stories that bring smiles to our faces. I like the smaller parties with more intimate gatherings and others love the big parties and there’s plenty of both to go around!

On the other hand, the holidays can also be filled with stress, relationship drama and a sense of obligation that can be overwhelming.

Know what I mean?

We all have our personal brand of obligations weighing on us–family, friends, jobs, finances and so on can all be part of the holiday “celebration”. It’s supposed to be a time of celebration, isn’t it?

Do you feel overwhelmed?

Do you feel a sense of obligation?

Do you feel like you won’t get everything done?

Me too.

I’ve got an idea. What if we decided–decided right now to to truly celebrate this time of year–no matter what is going on in your life?

What do you think? Are you with me?

What if we agreed to cherish this time more than we ever have before? When we truly appreciate our lives and the people in it, we increase our “feel good” factor and reduce toxic stress. This is true at any time in our lives and especially true now during the holiday season.

Rather than rushing, worrying and wondering, we can embrace, look forward to and excel during the holiday season. We can make a CONSCIOUS choice to appreciate the holiday season and all that it brings to us.

In that light; here are 3 things to consider to make this year the most enjoyable yet!

1) Be Selfish

Really? I know it sounds strange but during this time of year our sense of obligation can take over and when it does–we get run down. Think about this, you can give your all when you feel your best. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself because it’s the highest sign of self-respect. It’s not selfish to take care of yourself because that’s when you can give your all to those you love–and truly enjoy it!

2) Remember What You Are Grateful For

Even when things seem overwhelming, pause for a moment and ask yourself, “What am I grateful for right now?” this little moment can shift your point of view from a feeling of overwhelm and stress to a feeling of satisfaction and acceptance. No matter what is going on in your life right now–as difficult as it may seem–look around and find something you are grateful for in a situation or in a person!

3) Choice is King

Remember, you ALWAYS have a choice to think, feel or do whatever you choose. Enjoying your holiday season is a choice. Getting angry or frustrated is a REACTION. Stop for a moment and remember you have a choice. Are you going to feel bad, get angry or say something hurtful? You can choose to feel good, put a smile on your face and say something that builds love and positivity. We don’t always a choice about people and circumstances but we do have a choice over how we respond and relate to people and situations. Our experience is ALWAYS up to us so why not use this power to focus on the joy and the magic the holidays can bring.

Remember, the holidays are a time to celebrate–not to feel overwhelm.

Don’t let others dictate how you feel and run the show for you. YOU run your own show–YOU decide to choose to “get to” instead of “have to” and your enjoyment factor will soar!

To You!

David