Achieving balance takes self-discipline and persistence.
Consider creating a "Get REAL Discovery Worksheet.
" Start by drawing a line across the upper half of your paper and number it from one to five.
Then draw another line to split the lower portion in half.
Label one side LOVE and the other, HATE.
On the top half list the 5 things that mean the most to you in life.
Now on the LOVE side, begin noting the activities that have real meaning to you during this time of year.
From the simple to the major, from watching your favorite Christmas show to having dinner on Christmas Eve, whatever tradition, seasonal event, or activity you enjoy or look forward to this time of year, write it down.
Now on the HATE side, begin to list all the things you don't enjoy about the holiday or this time of year in general.
Once again, make it big or small, record them all.
From spending too much money, to putting up with Aunt Whatshername, brainstorm about all the things that bring you stress and that you dread about the holiday season.
Is there too much on your HATE list, so much so that you don't get to enjoy the things on the LOVE side? Then you need to start "pruning" from your list.
Who says you have to do all that stuff? Who are THEY and what will they do if you don't? These are good questions.
But the most important question to ask, is do these activities line up with your "What Matters Most" list? If you no longer get benefit from something, and it actually takes away from the season, look for ways it can be gracefully removed.
As your time is opened up, you can begin to enjoy more of the things you LOVE.
This also frees up more time to spend relaxing with those you love and want to be around.
Save obligatory visits for a less busy time of year.
You can really do that! Plan ahead, and make those visits pre or post-holiday.
Take time to get the most out of them.
That person may even appreciate the extra attention and not seeing you stressed from the weight of your multiple busy obligations.
Keep your batteries charged during the season and you may begin to enjoy it even more.
Freeing up time, by dumping unmeaningful time-sappers will help you regain control of your life.
You may then see the "fruit" of your better choices.
To take a serious step toward stress reduction, begin creating your Holiday Philosophy.
This includes, "What is the meaning of this holiday I am celebrating?" Ideally it will line up with your "What Matters Most" list.
Now begin to list the many rituals and obligations you observe during the season.
Circle the ones that line up with your Philosophy, cross out the ones that don't.
Are you shocked? You might even say, "Well we can't give that up!" Well why not? Who says you must celebrate that way.
You are an adult and that means you have the power to choose how you spend your valuable time and what you spend it on.
By doing what you have always done, you are regressing to that child like state where you go with the flow and are not being true to what you have in your heart.
We are people, not sheeple, you can act on your own.
Some of the biggest stressors are due to multiple demands on your time, expectations of money to be spent and extra time being with family.
These three things lead to the holiday mayhem that we often see.
The over-commercialization of the holidays along with the emphasis on stuff is disheartening.
But you do not have to be sheep and blindly go along with this.
You can choose to say no, "I am going to do it different this year!" The first step in embracing your Holiday Philosophy is to make others aware that you are not focusing on stuff or events.
Let them know you would like to spend more time developing relationships.
Allow yourself to spend more time with those who will support and encourage you and greatly limit the amount of time you spend with those who seek to tear you down or limit you.
You must protect your mental and physical health during this demanding time.
Know why you have chosen this path and be proud of your choices.
This will add depth and meaning to all that you CHOOSE to do.
Take back the holidays from the stores and those who wish to commercialize it.
Make the holidays matter, give them meaning and allow them to reignite your spirit, not drain it.
May your bold movement spread to all those you meet and may this new balance create the healthiest Holiday Season ever.
Focus on what and who really matter, in the words of Dr.
Seuss: "Those that mind don't matter and those that matter won't mind.
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