Holiday Survival

Since being around difficult family members has been a prominent concern this year, the following are ideas on how to handle the season with style. With determination and preparation, you can implement creative responses to your anxiety.

Acknowledge your triggers and pre-determine ways to take care of yourself. This is a time of triggers. We were born with a certain number of painful experiences and relationships because we live with a bunch of human beings who are limited in different ways. If you take a step back and think about what upsetting feelings emerge around this time of year, you can go in with an action plan. For example, if your cousin tends to dominate conversations, consider sitting somewhere in the room that is further away. Perhaps there is someone who loves to find fault in everyone. Identify ways you can stay grounded and neutral so you have the choice whether or not to engage. Keep in mind that the more time you take between the trigger and the response, the greater the chance you are choosing how to respond rather than simply reacting.

Liberate yourself from expectations. The reality of expectations is that when you set the bar high, anything that falls beneath that line will not be appreciated. Lots of loving acts go unnoticed because they were not exactly what had been anticipated. Without conditions for what is o.k., you can be more open. You eradicate the fear of disappointment and create space for flexibility and new experiences. (A great example of this is depicted in the “Christmas Story” movie when the glorious turkey is devoured by the neighbor’s dogs. The family winds up enjoying their Christmas meal with duck at a Chinese restaurant!)

Re-evaluate the roles you play. Roles are everywhere. At an early age, we are conditioned to engage in certain ways and deterred from other behaviors. Soon these responses become automatic and unchallenged. Do any of these sound familiar: the baby, the success, the responsible one, the fat one, the thin one, the rebel, or the black sheep? These are all different boxes we can get stuck in. We are denied the opportunity to be present in the moment and respond in ways that fit with our ever maturing values and needs. Determine what roles you have been asked to play and consider ways to step outside of them. You are so much more than the part you have been asked to play!

These are just a few of the options! For those who could benefit with more ideas, I will be offering a seminar to address other ways to manage anxiety and stress. This will take place on December 15th from 6-7 p.m. Call 303.915-5597 for more information.

To all- I wish you peace and happy holidays!
Tania