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7 Tips to a Holiday Season Filled with Happiness & Humour
So, just how jolly are you feeling, deep inside, as the holiday season approaches? Beginning to dread the family get-togethers, especially when ex-partners are involved? Lots of miles to cover to fit in visits with all the family members? Financial worries getting you down? Just come through a difficult year and not feeling “in the spirit”?
Well, things can be different. You are the one in charge of your life. Keep in mind that “all meaningful and lasting change” starts first on the inside, and then works its way out. It all begins with how you think about the holidays.
Want more happiness and humor this year? It is possible. First, recognize that there are some major barriers to experiencing a happy holiday season. They are:
Habits – Attitudes – Beliefs – Expectations – Ego – Emotions – Control
Whew. Nothing challenging there, right? The good news is that YOU can identify, and determine, what things are within your control, and which things are not. It’s important to acknowledge that there are some things that are simply not within your control. So, let those go.
Here are a few, easy-to-apply, tips that, whether or not you are a professional, you CAN try at home.
- Know what you want. Be very clear about what you want the holiday season to look like and feel like. Share those thoughts with your immediate family so that each person has an opportunity to discuss what’s on his or her mind. Being proactive, in this sense, can create more joy for everyone. And don’t leave this ‘till the last minute…start those conversations today!
- Write it down. As a family, that’s what we did. We pulled out the calendar. As a group, we discussed what was coming up – and whether or not we really wanted to attend, participate, host, etc. Decide where you will go and what you will do and be selective. Save your energy and focus on things, events, and people that will bring you happiness and humour.
- Control your self-talk to be up-lifting, positive and forward thinking. Negativity has become a habit, and one which we have mastered. Try this – for a 24-hour period, place an elastic band around your wrist – get some green and red ones for the holiday season. During this time, do not allow any sarcasm, negativity, belittling, teasing, etc. of yourself or others around you. When you become aware that you are being negative or sarcastic, just give that elastic band a snap. Throughout the day, you will become very conscious of your thinking and you can change this to be positive! Watch what a difference this can make for the duration of the holiday season. It’s a powerful habit to develop – thinking before speaking!
- Ask for what you want! We tend to believe that people can read our minds. Wow – that’s where a lot of marital challenges come into play. We are not mind-readers. If you are feeling tired and overwhelmed, be true to yourself. Let your family know that you would prefer a quiet night at home, rather than running ragged during a 3 to 4 week period.
- Lighten up! It’s the holiday season! Slow down. Smile more. Laugh…and laugh out loud. Don’t stress the small stuff and, in the end, it’s often about the “small stuff.” Be gentle. Have more fun this holiday season.
- Make a commitment to be happy! Happiness is a choice. It is a mindset. Make a commitment to be happy, each and every day, and watch how that affects the people around you.
- Put your life on a “want-to, choose-to, like-it, love-it” basis. During the holiday season, when anything is feeling like a “have-to,” take a good look at it and find a way to turn it around.
Life is not a dress rehearsal. You don’t want to be the one going through the holiday season feeling mean, tired, and ugly. This year – take charge! Live life like you mean it. Keep it simple and keep it meaningful. You’ll be happy you did.
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Pat Mussieux is a motivational speaker, coach, author and radio host. For more information, visit www.steps2happiness.com.
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