Love & Blessings,
Although the holiday season can bring a sense of excitement and joy for many people, it can arouse feelings of sadness, stress and loneliness for others. From the hustle and bustle of cooking, shopping, and entertaining, to the social engagements and often unrealistic expectations, “’tis the season” can generate a not so merry and bright feeling in the hearts of many. Fortunately, there are things you can do to experience a holiday season that is more joyful, if you choose to do so.
Since your thoughts create our reality, be sure to notice your thoughts during this time. Choose to have different thoughts and feelings about the holiday season so that you rewrite the stories from your past and start to create new and happier memories.
If the triggers or patterns from the past keep you stuck and repeat themselves every year at this time, choose a different way of interacting. Before you simply react (as you have many times before), challenge yourself to see things from another perspective. Ask yourself, “What if I could see this situation from a different vantage point, more objectively or from the other person’s point of view?” Pay attention to what you are physically feeling and notice how your body is responding to the stressful or upsetting situation. If possible, get to a place where you can close your eyes and do some deep breathing so you can begin to feel more peaceful. From this space, it will be easier to work through your feelings and open yourself to see things with more empathy and compassion.
Recognizing that certain environments and people have triggered your reactions over the years can allow you the freedom to choose to have a different response this year, or participate for a shorter time.
Another way to ward off the holiday blues is to make sure you practice the art of extreme self-care. What do you need to be happy “normally”? Can give yourself a little extra? More sleep, more time to be alone (or less), more exercise. Sometimes a treat, like a facial or a massage, can work wonders. Be very attentive to taking care of you.
If you’re missing your loved ones, the holiday season can be especially lonely. Be gentle with yourself.
Don’t stuff your emotions, allow yourself to feel them, even if they’re not comfortable. Be proactive by setting up a support system before the holidays. If you’re feeling down, don’t hesitate to support for yourself by reaching out to others. You are not alone! There are plenty of people feeling the same way you are.
You can also boost your spirits by volunteering or being of service to others. Since giving and receiving are the same, you will feel better about yourself when you reach out to support other people.
If you find that memories of holidays past generate sadness, why not find new ways to celebrate the holidays by creating a different tradition? It’s also important to take time for yourself by exercising, or walking in nature, and be sure to get enough rest.
Are finances a source of stress or anxiety this time of year? There are many ways you can give a meaningful gift without spending any money at all! The gift of your time by running errands, babysitting or pet sitting, housecleaning etc, might be greatly appreciated by your loved ones. You may be providing them with a solution to a problem that has been causing them stress! These services can add up quickly so if they are short on funds, your gift would be most welcome.
Finally, it’s more important than ever during the holidays to set good boundaries. It’s okay to say no to things that you don’t want to do. Sure, some people may be disappointed but don’t feel guilty about choosing to do what would be the best for you. After all, this is your holiday season too!
Give yourself the the gift of the extra time, attention and love you need and deserve this season so you can be relaxed and joyful… and enjoy your holidays!
Let’s face it: stating our beliefs, values, and good intentions is relatively easy. Doing what’s right — “Walking The Talk” — is the challenge. It’s true for just about every aspect of our lives — from family and faith, to sports and politics, to our jobs and our communities. So, take 3 minutes to watch this movie about “Walking The Talk.” It’s a profound and timeless message.
[fsmovie]movie=wttWalkTheTalk&custcode=Destinatio612[/fsmovie]
If you like this video clip, I encourage you to Share it with the world and join me on my mission to empower and inspire millions of people around the globe.
At the end of this video you’ll see simple instructions on how you can help.
Together we can spread words of Encouragement, Inspiration & Empowerment one video at a time… and wouldn’t you agree our world could use a little more “Positivity” these days!
Together we can make a difference…
Mahatma Gandhi
You have the power to change the world. Don’t take my word for it… Think about it! How many political changes, social transformations, or inventions have occurred because someone boldly stepped forward and initiated them?
Where would India be if Gandhi had played safe and small? What if Martin Luther King had kept his dream to himself, would the United States still be segregated? What kind of technology would we have if Steve Jobs had not taken computers seriously?
I’m not saying you need to play big to change the world… the simple act of choosing love and peace over anger and recrimination sends ripples of love out into the universe! You know what feels right! If you see an act of injustice, you can do something about it. Be the change you want to see!
Recently I watched an episode of VICE, an investigative reporting series on HBO, exposing the blatant misuse of TEN BILLION DOLLARS in aid funding to Haiti. It was supposed to provide housing and a better lifestyle for the thousands of earthquake victims. Instead, it’s five years after the earthquake, yet only one cent per dollar went to the people. Chemonics, one of the “for profit” companies contracted for the relief project, built an $18,000,000 soccer stadium and multimillion dollar cultural center in the norther town of Coracol, that was not affected by the earthquake, and provided no aid for the inhabitants. Thousands of people are still living under plastic sheeting in unsanitary conditions, yet a multimillion dollar gated housing community was built for the US Aid workers.
I was outraged. You see, I lived in Haiti for seventeen years, and I care very much about the Haitian people. I know that clean, simple cement block housing can be built for under $5,000.00 for a three or four room house, with a tin roof. I decided to do something about it. I reached out to my friend Gladys Thomas, founder of The Foundation for the Children of Haiti. I shared my vision with her and we are collaborating on the Haiti Housing Project. Gladys is a woman who knows how to get things done. She has built an orphanage, schools, outreach programs, and one of the finest hospitals in Port-au-Prince.
Would you like to make a difference and be part of the Haiti Housing Project?
If you would like to learn more, or are interested in being part of this exciting project, in any capacity, let me know by sending me a message through the “Contact Us” / “Let’s Talk” app on the bottom of this page.
© 2015 MarBeth Dunn and Destination Empowerment, Inc. All rights reserved
I think the quote below sums up the video I’m sharing with you today quite well. Take just a couple minutes to watch it and then ‘pass it along’ to others! ‘It seems to me we can never give up longing and wishing while we are thoroughly alive. There are certain things we feel to be beautiful and good, and we must hunger after them.’ ~ George Eliot
[fsmovie]movie=OvercomingAdversity&custcode=Destinatio612[/fsmovie]
If you like this video clip, I encourage you to Share it with the world and join me on my mission to empower and inspire millions of people around the globe.
At the end of this video you’ll see simple instructions on how you can help.
Together we can spread words of Encouragement, Inspiration & Empowerment one video at a time… and wouldn’t you agree our world could use a little more “Positivity” these days!
Together we can make a difference…
Have you ever had the sense that something was ‘off’ when you met someone? But do you trust it? Do you shrug it aside and say, “I must be mistaken. I’m sure they’re really nice,” but they may not be. They may have ulterior motives that your body is warning you about. It’s important to tap into that. When your body’s talking, it’s extremely important to listen to what it has to say.
I’ve noticed occasionally, when I leave my house, my chest will tighten, and it becomes hard to breathe. I finally came to realize I was Clairsentient. My body warns me in advance to head off uncomfortable situations. Now I can take action based on the information I receive from my body. It may be as simple as clearing the space before I get there, or harmonizing the energy between me and someone there. Once I do, my chest opens up and I breathe freely again.
Spend the time learning to tune into your body and notice what you’re feeling, without any judgment. What do you notice? (more…)
Activate your inner knowing and joy in your business and life!