Happy Holidays Require Proper Planning: Address Festive Related Stressors

#Create healthy boundaries

#Have a “me time”; self care is important

#Avoid being a copy cat; you are not ordinary,

you are not like others, you are unique and your experiences of the festive season will equally be unique.

#If you did not budget for it ( time, holiday, travels, finances etc) do not engage just because others do

#Always remember: January of next year will arrive

#Comparing yourself will only create anxiety , envy, jealousy and dampen your spirit.

#Surround yourself with positive people who accept you as you are, but be open to constructive feedback that can build you.

#Assess who is giving the feedback, and if it’s not vindictive and intended to belittle, humiliate or intentionally meant to make you feel less of a person: Ask yourself: is it genuine?

Is it true?

Have many other people raised the same concern?

Is there a blind spot; something people see about me that am blinded to or refuse to admit to myself?

Is this a limitation/weakness on my personality?

What can I change?

#REMEMBER: Johari window. There are things about ourselves that are in the hidden/unknown self domain whilst some are in the private or public self domain, therefore, some things about us may be unknown to us, whilst other people are aware of, so, be open to growth derived from accepting constructive feedback.

#Never give up on optimism and positive self-talk

#Avoid being dragged into a cycle of negativity and avoid dwelling in the past, it does not change what happened. You learnt something out of the experience, use what you learnt to move through the situation, taking one step at a time and each day as it comes. Acknowledge it, come to the present and reshape your future.

#Remember you have control over your thoughts, emotions and behaviour but not of others ‘actions. Be aware of your cycle of control and influence, some battles are not worth fighting.

#If being around certain people is draining you , leaving you depressed; evaluate the interaction and what it is that is being said or done that makes you feel sad. Is it triggering a past incident?

#Be committed to giving unconditional love ,

#Practice self-compassion, it won’t cost you anything but self~directed love.

# Love yourself unconditionally, there is only one unique you on earth.

#Helping those less privileged may give you meaning, and you may find it fulfilling, try it.

#Be part of something that changes lives, then your life will be changed; be the change you wish to see in the world, but change starts with you; Inner you.

#Assess your perceptions of self ; self~ concept and the perceptions you have of others; they maybe wrong or influenced by stereotypes and biased.

#Be grateful for each breath you take, it is a gift as well as the time you have on earth; it is your most valuable commodity, use it qualitatively than quantitatively; add value to your life and that of others.

#Seek inner joy instead of temporary happiness, joy does not come from materialistic things, many people with so much wealth are depressed and unhappy; they practically own the whole world, but lack inner peace, yet I have seen people with what is considered very little radiating so much joy, happiness and peace.

Find your joy!

Merry Christmas