Holiday Intentions

As the holiday approach do you feel some sense of trepidation? Are you worried about overindulging in sweets, savory goodies or cocktails? Are you anxious about spending time with your family? Are you worried about the pressure of expensive gift giving? Whatever might be on your mind it is time to start setting aside some of your anxieties and start planning for a happier holiday in a few simple steps.

• First ask yourself, what perspective or viewpoint do you currently hold on the holiday season? For example, your current perspective might be “it is going to be very stressful.” Another might be “it is impossible to stay healthy during the holidays, so why try?”

• Next ask, “What kind of holiday season do I want to have?” And, “How is my current perspective or viewpoint helping or hindering me from having the kind of holiday season I want?”

• If you believe your current perspective is hindering you from having the holiday season you want, then what are some other perspectives you could adopt? In other words, what is another way you could think about the holidays?

• Once you’ve identified a new perspective you’ll want to keep this new viewpoint front and center mind during the holidays ensuring you have the experience you want! Try creating a “structure” to remind yourself of what you want this season. Sample structures include:

1. Remind yourself of your new perspective every time a holiday song is on the radio
2. Tie a red ribbon around your purse or briefcase
3. Place a note to yourself on your mirror

• When you find yourself drifting away from having the holidays you want, then look to your structure, remind yourself of your new perspective, and return to your original intention. While you won’t be able to control what happens around you, you will be able to rejoice in the new perspective you’ve adopted!

Let me know how you’re doing this holiday season, if you’ve been able to shift your perspective and how it has helped you have the holidays you want!