|
Kick-Start Your Holiday Thinking
By Sophia Falke
Do you cringe when you think of one more Thanksgiving dinner with family and
friends? Do you dread spending the holidays alone?
Or are you already salivating at the thought of a turkey dinner, complete with
stuffing, sweet potatoes, pumpkin and apple pies?
I know holidays can be difficult for many. You may be away from family and
friends or experiencing the first holiday after a loved one dies. You may have
to work on the actual day of celebration. Or you may not enjoy spending time
with the people (usually family) you feel “obligated” to be with.
The holiday hype is that this is a time of joy and celebration. Yet holidays can
be stressful — often because we believe we need to live up to expectations of
others and ourselves. Terms such as “I should…” or “I have to…” often come up in
thought and conversation as the holidays approach. Sound familiar?
As an adult I used to say these things to myself quite a bit, and it made life
stressful and depressing. Slowly I freed myself of many stressful expectations
as I realized that with the holidays, as with everything in life, we have
choices. Do we want joy or suffering? Some might prefer the sympathy they get
when they choose suffering; others have had enough pain and want to experience
joy.
Which do you choose…joy or suffering? Either is all right as long as you are
conscious of your choice. Just know that suffering takes so much more energy
where joy creates an energy field that uplifts and rejuvenates.
Alone For The Holiday Season?
Recognize that we do have a choice; make the decision to revisit your
perceptions about the holidays whether with family and friends or being alone.
Are they fun and exciting or a time of dread and obligation? Only you can
decide.
If you are alone this holiday season and choose to be joyful rather than
depressed, it is important to take action. This could be inviting someone to
spend the holiday with you, traveling, volunteering at a shelter or nursing
home, or creating a special individual celebration where you celebrate you.
There are other possibilities and the purpose would be to create a new and
uplifting experience. Start your own tradition; whether it is silly or solemn,
it would be of your own making.
It comes down to the question, “Are you willing to consider shifting the focus
of your attention to a more energizing, fun outcome?” What do you have to lose?
There will always be challenges…is it time to focus on opportunity?
As in all things, it is our choice how we experience the holidays. I invite you
to join me in creating a joyous, thanks-filled holiday season, whether with
family or friends…or especially alone.
 Sophia Falke is a local freelance writer. She supports individuals, businesses,
and communities “cross the border” through her and coaching and seminar company,
Embracing Greatness, Excellence Coaching and Seminars, and her work as minister
at Unity Center in the Valley (www.uciv.org). You can reach Sophia at
Sophia@EmbracingGreatness.com . |
|
Advertisements
|
