It’s that time of year again: the holidays! This is a time of excitement, happiness, and joy for some people; depression, anxiety, and stress for others and a mix of both for many.
If you’re feeling out of sorts or mixed about the holidays, I recommend that you turn your focus inward. Reflect on what brings you joy and make that a priority. You can’t control other people, you only have power over yourself. Whether you realize it or not, you choose your thoughts, you experience feelings related to those thoughts, and you choose your perspective and your reactions to what other people do and say. Let go of other people’s expectations and manage your own. Happiness is an inside job. Once you clarify what you want and why you want it, you can cultivate more of it.
This year, put yourself first and do more to please yourself. Then do what you can to encourage others nurture themselves.
Here are some tips to help you enjoy the season:
1. Define the holidays your way. After traveling abroad last Christmas, we’re staying home this year and celebrating with family and friends in the traditional way. I know that this is not for everyone. Decide what’s important to you and make that a priority. You’re in control of your thoughts, feelings, and actions. Choose to be happy.
2. Clean your space. Doing so automatically lifts the chi. Use natural cleaning products, rather than ones with chemical additives or artificial fragrances. White vinegar and baking soda work great. Citrus adds vitality.
3. Create a welcoming entrance. It attracts good chi. This year I finally learned how to make a fresh wreath. I’be been wanting to do this for years and a good opportunity come to me a few weeks ago. It came out beautiful. I love seeing a variety of beautifully decorated doors as a travel throughout the area.
4. A fresh Christmas tree, wreath, a fresh poinsettia, fresh evergreens, or flowers bring in fragrance, color, and a high quality of chi and life force. When the holidays are over, you can recycle them, eliminating storage.
5. Reassess your holiday décor and display what brings you joy. Let items go that you no longer like and put away at least one thing for every item that you add. When too much is left out in the open, the space feels overwhelming.
6. Lights uplift chi. They add joy during the dark days of winter. Enjoy them.
7. Play music! Classical music, in particular, has a high vibration. It brings joy.
8. Be flexible if you’re purchasing and/or sending gifts. The supply chains remain sluggish. Have alternatives. Buy what’s available locally. Mail early.
9. Connect with people who are important to you. Call them, connect virtually, send a handwritten card. Reach out to people who are alone or those who have been going through hard times. A small gesture goes a long way.
10. Nurture yourself! Do self care; get a massage; enjoy a long, hot bath; enjoy some favorite foods, watch a favorite movie; curl up with a cup of tea and a good book.
This holiday season, put yourself first and take good care. You can choose to be happy. As you do so, you’ll automatically help uplift the spirit of others around you.