No doubt you have read everything on how to survive and thrive during the holidays. Perhaps you’d just settle for how to stay sane! It’s so easy to get lost in all the hoopla of the season and lose sight of the opportunity to reflect on what is truly meaningful to you. In that spirit, I am offering a few of my strategies to stay present to what is truly important to you during this busy, beautiful time.

  1. Be still. Sounds simple, doesn’t it? It is. Take several moments during your day to stop, breathe and be present to yourself and whatever is happening in the moment. Perhaps you’re typing away on your laptop as I am right now, or savoring a cup of your favorite holiday drink, or having a conversation with a client, coworker, family member or friend. Pause and take it in. Savor the moment.
  1. Embrace the chaos. Really? Yes. Say yes to whatever is occurring. Surrender any resistance you might be experiencing. Again, sounds simple, and it is. And, not necessarily something you might automatically do. There is a real feeling of peace in this surrender. I don’t mean “giving up” on whatever it is taking up space. I’m suggesting letting go of trying to control it. We often live in our heads of right and wrong, good and bad, happy and sad. We make judgments, and if you’re like me, they are often not positive! That only creates more chaos inside of us, which gets transmitted to our environments. So, make a commitment to yourself to embrace the chaos and go with the flow. None of us does this perfectly. Just give it your best.
  1. Count your blessings. Yes, be grateful that you’re breathing, have a roof over your head and a full belly (I hope!). Be grateful you have at least one person or furry friend you love and who loves you. This is the real stuff of life. My guess is you have many people, experiences and things to be grateful for. I know tough times can make this difficult. In no way do I discount or dismiss the challenges and losses we experience. This world is full of heartbreak. My wish for you is to allow your heart to break completely open! To be available to the love.

For me, the holidays are all about love, wherever we encounter that mysterious force. One of my favorite holiday movies, Love Actually, shares that love is actually all around. I hold that to be true. The holidays remind me what is meaningful, and to carry that throughout the year. 

So, what do the holidays mean to you? I wish you all the love you can possibly absorb and reflect, and more! Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays.