It's Christmas. No Stress. No Pressure. Ask Oren...

Here we go, or here we have gone...the holidays are upon us.  Many of us are running around feeling super stressed, getting angry easily, feeling pushed into a corner and find ourselves growling through the holidays.  Why is that?  For some reason the holiday season ramps up the pressure.  What is that about?  Let's ask ourselves this question and listen to the answer -- "What is this pressure I feel?"  Really, what is it?  It is a good thing to know the answer -- it can change attitudes and relieve that sense of being out of balance. 

Maybe you can identify with one or two thoughts on this list. I tried to cover most of the feelings I have heard expressed and some I've experienced myself: 

Forms of holiday pressure:

• I have too much to do and I can't get everything done in time.
• It is Christmas and if I don't give them the right gifts, I look bad.
• It is Christmas and if they don't get the right gifts, they will be unhappy.
• It is Christmas and I know I should be celebrating, but, please -- stop talking and ring up my purchases -- I can't wait forever.
• It is Christmas and even though I can't stand my (name any family member), I have to be nice and put up with him/her.
• It is Christmas and I don't have anyone special to share it with.
• Why do I always have to do everything?
• I don't have enough money to buy expensive gifts...but if I don't, people will think I am cheap or don't know the difference.
• It's Christmas and everything has to be perfect.

OK, by now, you are probably seeing the "I" word in every single stressed out thought listed above.  My question...why do we do this to ourselves?  It certainly isn't in the spirit of Christmas -- you remember that, don't you, good will, generosity, peace, love, faith, generosity?

You know what, this year, the holiday season is all about the real things for me.  What do I want to give?  Good will.  Alrighty then... that's a big goal.  So what does that look like?  I posted a quote on my personal facebook page that sort of describes it and want to share it here, too. Take a look.  Of course, I will be giving tangible gifts, but I am putting the qualities on this list at the top of my list for the whole season...and beyond: 

Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect. -- Oren Arnold

These gifts don't come wrapped in pretty paper.  They come wrapped in the love of your heart; the ability to genuinely love others and... "appreciate yourself". 

How to do that?  Breathe; take your time; don't spend over your budget; take some time off -- away from work (even a few hours and go to your favorite relaxing place and sit for awhile with a good book...or Kindle :); decide, (yes, decide), that you won't react negatively.

Here's more...plan a simple holiday meal and ask for help -- don't martyr yourself, ask; realize the gifts you give to others are thoughtfully chosen by you and it is the thought that counts; realize in today's economy, the giant, perfect, gifts are rare -- and that is really okay -- probably even better; realize that for your family and friends, having you relaxed and happy, rather that stressed out and mad, is a gift in itself.

The best one I know?  Have faith, know it is going to be okay and if someone is disappointed, it isn't about you. Love and love and love some more.

Additionally, there are all kinds of articles with tips to manage stress and here is a link to one of them -- seems like a straightforward article and common sense http://www.todays-women-and-health.com/managing-stress.html 

My wish for you...be happy and have a peaceful, satisfying, comfortable holiday season.

With respect,

DCR  

What Is My Truth Today.. WIMTT? 1/26/10

What is My Truth Today...WIMTT?
Teaching the recognition of love...
I have been thinking about the quiet kinds of love that empower individuals to connect and share.  It is the type of love that makes us want to reach out to the people of Haiti to help and comfort.  It is the sort that binds us all together -- we become a universal family, metamorphosing into a far more selfless expression.   

How far can that expression of love reach?  Is it what causes someone to be kind to the waitress when the chef didn't get the order right?  Or, is it what causes one to act -- mow the lawn for the neighbor who can no longer afford the gardener? Is it what has us shaking our heads when we read about the conditions of calamity, disaster, disorder, chaos and desperation prevelant in the media -- to feel that thump in our hearts?  Is it what calls upon us to say a kind word to uplift the checker at the store, who seems so tired and deflated?  Is it what causes the hairdresser to have the courage to ask her client sporting yet another bruise, "Is there anything I can do to help you?"  Is it what prompts a person to ask the shivering homeless man, "Will you be right here for a few minutes, and if you wouldn't mind, can I go get you a coat?"

Gratefully, I have often been the recipient of love's selfless focus.  It happens day in and day out with my family and close friends...it is how we live our lives.  We were taught and given opportunities on how to love with the quietness that does not demand recognition, but remains love none the less -- that sharing and caring for another person.  

Today

I just want to say I am grateful.

Today

I want to share with you this thought...teach everyone around you by your actions how to ask themselves, "What can I do to make someone's experience a little happier?"