Surving or Thriving?

Do the Holidays Amuse and Delight you??

Winter holidays receive a huge build-up with high expectations. Stores are advertising sales, Christmas music is playing, and there is a buzz in the air.

What if the Holidays truly could be the most wonderful time of the year? Spit out the rotten fruit cake and take a sweet bite of new possibilities this Season.

Are you willing to cruise through the rest of the year (and beyond) empowered and inJOY?

This season you are invited to ditch the stress and excessive egg-nogging by navigating your way through The Holidays with way more laughter and merriment.

Let’s move from surviving to thriving!

1. Choose a different (new) view ~ Decide to look at December from a different perspective. What if you replaced the mass chaos, maxed-out credit cards, crowds of people, stress, self-proclaimed cookie eating contests and exhaustion, with imagining and creating what is pleasing and brings you joy. Let go of the pressure and anxiety. Instead, choose to see it from a different view!

2. Remember what matters most ~ Do you have to have the “perfect” outfit for your office Holiday party? Are the most expensive and elaborate gifts, really the best ones? Do the holidays need to resemble a Lifetime Movie Special or Hallmark Greeting Card? What if you focused on the special moments spent with loved ones or the joyous, peaceful times with yourself? What do the holidays mean to you? Do you treasure time spent with family and friends? Remember to look at the big picture by asking yourself… “Does this truly matter? And…will this bring me joy?”

3. Stay healthy and take care of yourself ~ Treat your body, mind and spirit with care during the Holidays (and everyday!). It is possible to eat and drink what your body desires while staying healthy and vibrant. Ask your body “Do I really want to eat this 2nd piece of fruitcake or drink this 7th glass of spiked eggnog?” You can be both healthy and playful this season. Find balance and indulge consciously so that you feel good about your choices. Your body, mind and (Holiday) spirit will thank you!

4. Gratitude ~ What can you be grateful for this Holiday season?  Each day focus on the good in your life. What would open up and be revealed if you played in the energy of gratitude this season? Enjoy the simple pleasures, experience joy, laugh, share, and dance through this Holiday with greater ease. Squash your inner Scrooge and be thankful for all the gifts in your life (and not just the ones wrapped in pretty paper!).

5. Spend less stress less ~ The Holiday season can cause financial pressures with extra expenses from gift giving, traveling and buying lots of mistletoe (lots!). Would you be happier if you created a budget this year instead of maxing yourself out and becoming a Grinch? Would a Holiday of less stress and more money invite you to more joy and ease?

6. Learn the power of “no” ~ The choice truly is yours … would you like to write a different story this year and unwrap your old Holiday mind-set to reveal the joy of the season?! Make it your kind of Holiday by doing what brings you happiness, joy and laughter. If you feel bombarded with Holiday obligations, learn the power of “no” or ask for help. Release the stories from years past when your eggnog glass was overflowing with Holiday hustle & bustle and anxiety. Ask yourself: “Will this be fun/ rewarding/ smile inducing?” If not… say Yes to you by setting boundaries with family, friends and coworkers this year so you can experience the true delights of the season.

7. Stay organized and plan ahead ~ The Holidays often come with “to-do lists” a mile long. Between shopping, decorating, special meals, parties, guests, and travel, it can be a recipe for stress. Stay frazzle-free by staying organized with a little planning. Simply just do the best you can. Prioritize what truly matters to you and let go of all the expectations & feelings of obligation. Move through the season with more ease as you simplify, plan ahead and delegate responsibilities to others. Release all of the expectations, attachments and illusions this season often brings. Down with frazzle and up with festive.

8. Deal with family baggage ~ When family is in town for the Holidays, do they also arrive and unpack loads of baggage? Spending time with friends and family may involve complicated dynamics. Are you willing to be a Holiday energy detective by not taking on other peoples energy, judgments or stories? Truth is, you can’t change your relatives (or force Aunt Martha not to ask you for the millionth time why you’re not married), but you can change the way you relate to them. Hint: Laughter! Your Holiday will be much more pleasing when you are laughing and joyful, regardless of the shenanigantics around you. When possible ask yourself “How is this situation (comment, family member, dynamic…) amusing?!”

9. Keep a Routine ~ Consistency in routine can keep us centered and makes holidays more pleasurable. The Holidays bring lots of changes and shifts in schedules. People are visiting, eating and drinking patterns are different, our surroundings are decked out in festive looks and sleep schedules may be disrupted. By maintaining some structure and balance by prioritizing the events you attend, being mindful of the food and drink you consume and making sure to get enough sleep…you will cruise through the holidays happier and healthier.

Play More With Me This Season!

Happy Holidays? Free Expert Tips & Tools Video Series
No lumps of coal around here…everyone gets a gift this year!
I’ve interviewed seven fabulous experts with techniques and tools to share with you to move through
this season with waymore JOY and EASE.
This video series is FREE and our gift to you.
Click here for the sparkling details.

Move & ReJuve Retreat
Join us for the third annual Move & ReJuve Retreat at The Present Moment on the beaches of Mexico from March 14th – March 21st.  Are you ready for physical, mental and spiritual rejuvenation? This destination retreat week will be packed with tools and techniques to change your life, adventures
and an abundance of play and relaxation.