What Are You Grateful for Today
Today, I am thankful for cozy blankets and heaters. It’s been so cold in the mornings. I welcome the cooler weather but, in the mornings I truly appreciate a warm blanket and heat. I am also grateful for all of the people that read my blog messages.
What are you grateful for today?
Holiday Stress
I often find myself stressed during the holidays, ’tis the season. Sometimes, it seems like a battle between managing everyone’s expectations with my reality. I feel overwhelmed and I find myself just simply not enjoying the most magical time of the year and as a result, my family and friends become aware that holidays are not magical for me. Can you relate?
The fact is it’s the holiday’s but when I think that I will never be able to satisfy everyone, I feel overwhelmed and I start to snap at people and withdrawa from activities. In the end it’s still the holiday’s but I end up not enjoying them at all. Remember our thoughts create our feelings, which drive our actions and ultimately the outcome.
I wonder what would happen if I started to think differently about the holidays. Instead of thinking that I won’t be able to make my family happy because there is too much going on, I can’t afford the presents and my eggnog never nogs, I thought this is going to be the best holiday season ever, because I am going to be present and love every minute of making new memories. Do you think I would enjoy the season more than I have in the past?
RELATED TOPIC: How to Enjoy Christmas More
Managing Stress
Remember that not all stress is a bad thing, so don’t put that extra pressure on yourself. Instead of focusing on eliminating ALL stress, focus on releasing your thoughts and feelings immediately following that stressful event. I remember the Christmas that my family wanted Cornish Hens and each wanted their own. Making 12 Cornish Hens was very stressful so before sitting down to enjoy my plate I had to release my thoughts and feelings of that joyful experience.
I have a checklist of reminders to myself for managing stress, that I’d like to share with you.
- Focus on what I can control
- Take 5 min to breathe (as I think to myself smell the flower (6), take a few seconds to enjoy the flower (3), now blow out the candle (6))
- Grab some earphones and dance it out
- Look at something that makes me laugh
- List three things I am grateful for
- Hug someone I love
- It’s OKAY to ask for help
However you spend your holiday I wish you the happiest and joyful holiday season.
…and if nobody has told you yet today, I appreciate you, I believe in you.
Annette
