The holidays are fast approaching. It is a wonderful time to enjoy your close friends and family and create memories. Sometimes it also means that you will be confronted with more stress. A good self-preservation tip is to protect your peace.
Yes, you want your entire family to enjoy this special time, but it is also important to set healthy boundaries that will ensure that you still feel safe and seen. It is a great time of the year to practice clear communication of your expectations and what you are comfortable doing, what causes you stress, what you need help with, and what you can compromise on. Within your own family cluster, discuss openly what everyone’s expectations and needs are. Sometimes we stress ourselves performing for our loved ones because we feel that it is necessary but when we get real about what we want then several things start happening. First you feel free. You no longer carry the stresses of pleasing everyone, disappointing others, and all the “what if “scenarios that worry you. Then it helps your family members follow your lead and drop their own burden. They get to meet you in this raw and real honest conversation. It is an opportunity for everyone to examine what a peaceful holiday season might look like for them.
The bottom line is this: “If it costs you your peace, it is too expensive” – When you are making plans, remember to be really honest with yourself. When we take the time to understand who we are, how we are doing in this season of our life, what we are going through, where we are heading, what our expectations are, it helps us get clarity on everything. Reflecting on our process and our emotions allows for pause, connection and healing. You can make the choice to be self-aware and have compassion and grace for yourself. You understand how to better care for yourself, and in the process, you are better able to give to others and care for them as well.
You matter just as much as anyone else in your life. You deserve to be heard. Feel empowered to state your needs clearly, and step into an intentional holiday season filled with meaningful moments. As you read this you might already have a feeling or ideas pop into your mind of what that could look like for you. I hope this post encourages you to live out your most sincere holiday season. You get to say no to the things that bring in too much stress and attack your peace. You get to say yes to all the meaningful, intentional celebrations that make you soften and smile. This is a time for grace, clarity and kindness… to yourself first and then to others.
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