Tips 1 – 4

December is upon us! As wonderful and magical as the holidays are, they can also be filled with stress, anxiety, exhaustion and just are sometimes “too much”.  What we truly need is a balance and ideas on how to keep the magic and joy at this time of year.

Here are the first 4 tips on bringing more joy to your holidays. I’ll be posting the next 8 over the coming weeks so stay tuned:

Pleasing others or pleasing yourself?

This is the time for you to be joyful and happy too.  If you are constantly saying yes or wanting to please others, take a break. Choose where your energy and love need to be so that you are first. You need to put on the oxygen mask first before giving away everything of you to others.

Relationships – Being Together

Step back and literally count the blessings in your life. Many of us know too well how fleeting time can be so rather than be upset with your family or friends, step back and think of just one good thing they bring to your life. You get to choose being aggravated or calm.

Relationships – Being Alone

I know too well how terribly difficult and painful it can be to lose someone dear – their presence is sorely missed especially during the holidays. Acknowledge your sorrow, and then intentionally move to being grateful for the love you did get to share.  Select a special memory or custom that makes you smile. Keep that smile.  It helps you and others!

Let It Go!

If you follow me, you know that I have talked about the powerful technique of Letting It Go! When we get overwhelmed it is time to take a pause. We can get so worked up about what we think ‘should’ happen, get twisted up in anger or concern, or disbelief about how hard life can be. Our energy then becomes so depleted. Our joy vanishes.

Take a pause  – this is critical!  Know when you are worked up – take a breath and then ask two questions: “How important is it?” and “Is this under my control?” If it is not that important and/or not in our control, you get to choose to let it go. You have that freedom of choice which allow you to choose something more nourishing and joyful.

These are the first four tips and techniques for bringing more joy and peace to your life – and to the lives of others you touch.  They are simple and powerful.  It is your choice on how you decide to respond and live each day – especially this time of year.  Take more control of your feelings and responses for a more joyful life.

 

Keep connecting for the rest of the tips and please comment on how you find more joy throughout the season.