In this season of thanks and giving, I celebrate with an open heart and a clear mind. If you feel the frenzy beginning to take hold and you’re repeating old patterns of doing too much, I encourage you to consider that there is another way. Remember the spirit of the season, be gentle with yourself and give these thoughts some consideration:
Open Your Heart.
Breathe and let go. Let go of old disappointment and hurt. Make room for growth, forgiveness, and change. Let love in. When you open your heart you allow in happiness, goodness and great people.
Count Your Many Blessings.
Live with gratitude. Fill your heart with thankfulness. Set the tone for the season by writing out a gratitude list. Can you list 100 things you are grateful for? Try adding a Gratitude Journal application to your smartphone for the season.
Express and Share Your Glad Tidings.
Be sincere. Be loving. Be present. Express your attitude of gratitude by sharing heartfelt experiences with those you love. Don’t over think this. Celebrate the simple joys of the season. This is the perfect time to renew connections with family and friends. Engage all of your senses to appreciate the special sounds, the sights and the smells that are the memories of a lifetime.
Give Freely Without Attachment.
Does gift giving feel like a chore sometimes? Learning to give gifts unconditionally will lift the sense of obligation that can rob you of the joy of giving. Start by sharing a piece of yourself and your care for the person, shown in the selection of the gift. Think beyond stuff. Then allow yourself to let go of any expectation or wanting for anything given in return. Give because you want to, not because you are expected to.
Receive Graciously.
Honor others and their desire to give by receiving with grace. Say “thank you” genuinely. When you write to say thanks, share something you like about the gift. Resist the urge to judge or refuse a gift and simply choose to enjoy being the receiver. Lastly, avoid the temptation to reciprocate just for the sake of matching the gift since that often carries an undertone of obligation.
Accept that “All is Well”.
Trust that everything is exactly as it is intended to be. Let go of resentments and expectations. Allow yourself to enjoy the little things found in special moments. There is only the present.
May all be well in your world today. Try listening to this to shift your perspective. http://youtu.be/xDPRxvBDiyU
And then…
Let There Be Peace.
Wishing you a joy-filled, thankful season of giving and receiving —
Nanette
P.S. Please share these suggestions and add your favorite tips and tricks for keeping the holiday spirit even during stressful times in the comments below. I always love to hear your thoughts, comments, and questions.