December 2021 Blog Once again, the Holidays are upon us!

Once again, the Holidays are upon us!

Who’s ready to look at them through a different lens? 

Be open to new possibilities. 

Grab a pen and paper. Close the door. Pretend it’s a brainstorming session with yourself and make two lists with five items on each one: 

List # 1: five things that you have your heart set on doing between now and January. 

List # 2: five items that you’d like to let go of between now and the New Year.  

Post the lists in a common area as Redesign Reminders. As you reflect on how you are redesigning the holidays, here are a few attributes that will help along the way...

Self-compassion will soothe your racing heart or dry the tear after a difficult conversation. When I was at a low point, a friend once let me in on a secret. She said, “Compare and Despair.” It’s become one of my mantras. If you need a time-out to prevent blowing your stack, take it. There will be less to ruminate on in the middle of the night. 

You will need Strength to stay the course. There will be moments that will try your patience, that will make you ask “Why am I doing this?” Are you required to do what used to bother you? Dig deep for the answers and really listen.

Courage allows you to bring forth what it is you truly want to share with the world. Don’t be shy. There’s only one you, and the world is waiting to hear your story. Be bold and tell it. Introduce a new tradition or explain why you’re letting one go. Remember, you are the designer of your holidays. 

On the days that you don’t think you can go on, call on Endurance to help you chunk items on your to-do list into manageable steps. Think back to a time in your life when you persevered against all the odds. Embrace that enduring energy and recommit. 

Tranquility will help in the days when nothing is going as planned, and you still need to show up. Have a safe word, intention, or mantra ready to bring you back to your center when the unexpected personal, financial, or familial setback occurs. 

When your Integrity is solid, so are your principles. Be fair, trustworthy, and honest in your relationships. Your actions speak louder than your words. 

Remember that Love is what brought you here. You value what it is you want to share with your family, with the world. Deep in your heart, you believe that your message will change lives for the better. Passionately share your story when out for a walk with loved ones, in the kitchen, or while playing cards.

You know the type of healing or growth you want to contribute to the world during the holidays and throughout the year. 

Be self-compassionate, strong, courageous, enduring, tranquil, and trustworthy.

Know that love motivates and compels you toward what is whole and true. 

When you embody these attributes, you’ll see the joy and move forward into your loving, whole-hearted holidays with hope, and love. 

Love,

Kathy 

ARAY Wellness Coaching