Simple Strategy to Keep Your Cool Over Christmas!

Merry Christmas Everybody! 

This time of year can bring up so many different emotions for people, it seems like we experience a full range of emotions, even if we aren't consciously aware of them!  As much as we love to celebrate the holidays we can't deny the stressors that occur in our bodies as a result. 

When we join together with family, well, our families are excellent personal growth meters to see how far we've come!!  Our old deep programs tend to get triggered and not so nice behaviors can seep their way out through the stress, organization and expectations.  

So if you feel yourself getting caught up in the stress and old programming and you are about to react in a not so loving way, take a moment to excuse yourself (or do it right there in that moment) and follow these simple steps: 

1. Take A Deep Breath!! 
Honestly, it seems so easy and yet it is so powerful!  Stop what you are doing and simply breathe!  Take a moment before you open your mouth and react from those old tricky programs to first BREATHE… 

2. Feel Your Heart
While breathing connect to your heart center (I like to place my right hand over my heart and sometimes when my inner child is acting up or feeling hurt I will also place my left hand over my belly). Feel yourself finding your center, feel your feet on the ground, feel yourself very grounded and centered with an open, loving heart… 

3. Ask Yourself How You Would Like To Respond
Think before you speak!  Be brave and choose to respond from a new place, a place of love and honor, compassion and honesty... We don't have to solve all of our families problems when gathered together on Christmas so simply shift back to love (I'm speaking to the part in you that feels called to "fix" everyone!!).

4. Shift To Gratitude
We all have so much to be grateful for… Count your blessings and gift yourself the gift of gratitude.  Be grateful you are gathered with people you love, that you have food on your table and a roof over your head.  So give that loved one, or yourself a hug and say how much you appreciate them instead!

Its not about the presents under your tree, it is about the gift of gathering and being present with the people around you in a state of gratitude and love… 

And if you are far from home, traveling or don't have your family close by this Christmas, give yourself the gift of your own presence and intention of self-care and self-love.  Bask in the blessings of your life and fill your heart with gratitude… Smile at a stranger, hug someone, call up a friend and tell them how much you appreciate them, sing and dance to your own song and simply BE. 

Remember, gratitude and presence are the greatest gifts you can give!

Let me know if these tips help you and how your holiday celebrations go! 

Sending you all Love & Holiday Blessings, 

Heather 

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