The Holiday season evokes an array of sentiments. Favorite songs, cozy times by the crackling fire, caroling, egg nog, exchanging gifts, enjoying the brilliant display of lights and fun traditions like caroling bring warmth and happiness to the heart.
Thus it is heralded in song as “The Most Wonderful Time of The Year.”
However, due to a variety of factors, some may experience this season as anything but wonderful!
Whatever you’re feeling this December, giving yourself the gift of some quiet time to reflect, can allow you to face this month and the coming year with intention. It just might be the best thing you can do for yourself.
If you are doing well you can enjoy the fullest experience of the season and prepare to start 2016 with a bang. If you are struggling in some way you can strategize to overcome the negative feelings & circumstances that seem to be taking you down.
I propose to you that whatever your circumstance and although you may not be able to make this the “Most Wonderful Time of the Year,” you CAN choose how you are going to do life this month and how you are going to begin the new year.
Rather than letting the currents of life take you along for the ride like a raft without oars, why not schedule an appointment with yourself to reflect on what really matters to you? Evaluate your priorities and determine how you want to do your December and how you’d like to start off 2016.
December – I love you!
Maybe this is your favorite time of year. You’re enjoying the season and all that it represents. You’ve got your holiday groove on and you ARE feeling it! I get it.
You may not be thinking about setting aside some down time to reflect on what is truly important in your life. However, December is a great time to set yourself up for success in the coming year. You won’t regret taking some time this month to design a plan for achieving your true priorities in the coming year.
You may even want to set aside an entire day or take an overnight get away to come up with a vision for your life in the coming year. The Virtual Mentor, Michael Hyatt, even offers a 5 day course on preparing for your best year ever. You can check that out here. Often Life Coaches will assist you in planning a personal vision retreat and often lead groups through this process. You may even want to employ a life coach to help set you up for success in 2016.
For Those Grieving a Death or Loss
If this seems to be the most painful time of year there is hope for you. If you’ve experienced a recent break up or divorce, or if you’re grieving the recent death of a loved one, you may find this season anything but joyful.
If you’re hurting emotionally over recent loss, perhaps you would benefit from getting some outside help and setting up support for yourself of some kind.
While allowing yourself to feel the pain of your loss, you can still refuse to slip down into a black hole of depression that can easily rise up to engulf one who is dealing with deep grief. Seek counseling, find a support group, if you are a person of faith seek spiritual assistance from someone you trust. It is so healthy to get help when you need it.
Handling Seasonal Stress
Many also find that it can often be the most stressful time of the year due to all the extra demands on the schedule and finances including gift shopping, holiday parties and the like.
If you’re typically stressed during the holidays, identify what your triggers are. Why are you usually stressed? What can you do about it? Evaluate the problem and brainstorm practical solutions. It may even just be a simple mind-set shift that is needed.
Taking the time to step back from the daily demands of life and assess your stress will surely help you to enjoy your holidays rather than getting caught up into the whirlwind of busyness!
How are you feeling about the holiday season? How are you being intentional about how you want to do life this December and in the coming year?
Wherever you’re at with this season, take the time to contemplate how to approach your life in a way that is a reflection of who you truly are. It’s a gift you can give yourself that keeps on giving — and you know what?
You deserve it!
