Make a Choice: “I Will Enjoy This Holiday Season!”

I am sure you have heard it or may even think it yourself “I’m going to get “through” this holiday season” or “I hate this time of year”. These types of statements make me feel very sad for people who are not allowing themselves to experience this holiday season 2009. We have never had it before and we will never have it again. Say it now “I will enjoy the upcoming holidays!”

It is a tragedy to allow old experiences, memories, losses, circumstances and situations or strained relationships to steal our joy today. With the holidays coming upon us quickly, make a decision that this year you are going to enjoy every moment. It takes that type of thinking to really challenge any negative thoughts of the past and hopeless predictions of the upcoming weeks. The more that we dread tomorrow, next week, and all the upcoming holidays, the less happiness we allow ourselves to experience. This is a new day, a new season, choose to rejoice and be glad! I know it is challenging, however nothing good comes easy and the benefits are long lasting. Make a decision today that you will create new memories, forgive and forget the past negative memories that are haunting you today. As always there are some steps that need to be taken to achieve this state of mind. Below are some useful tips to allow this holiday season, like every other day, to be the best that it can be!

1. Make a conscious decision that you will enjoy this holiday season with a new outlook on the future. Avoid statements mentioned above such as “I can’t wait until this year is over”, “I will get through”, “I hate this time of year”. Replace with more positive, hope-filled statements with the attitude of gratitude and the belief that “something good is going to happen to me!”

2. Do not focus on finances and “not being able to afford” dinners or presents. Make a budget and make a little bit go a long way. Treating people with respect, words of encouragement and random acts of kindness cost nothing, are priceless and will be remembered for a lifetime.

3. Make amends. Once and for all forgive and forget old strife, resentments and bitterness. Life is too short. Accept what you cannot change and let people be. Whether it is criticism or disrespect from family members or circumstances and situations, let it go. Choose who you want to be around, limit time with people who are fault finding, gossiping and back biting. Don’t let them steal your joy. Be sure you go into events with a good attitude, being balanced mind, body and spirit. As you are strengthened, you will not allow other people’s unhappiness to be projected onto you.

4. Stop and look around. Don’t get caught up in the hustle and bustle. Take time to listen to seasonal music, admire the decorations and appreciate the beauty of the season.

5. Be grateful. Stay away from people who choose that type of attitude. It is not productive for you, will steal your energy and keep you from being your best self.

6. Be loving and giving, volunteer your time, energy and resources, as it will always be returned to you.

7. Smile

Make a decision today to make this the best holiday season. Choose a new attitude and you will find the power within that you may not have known that you ever had!

Wishing you all God’s Best and all the blessings that this holiday season has for you!