It’s that time of year again. The Holiday Season is upon us.

Which means most of us, for better or for worse, will be with our families.

Being with family-though familiar-can inspire a sense of dread. As we approach Grandma’s house (or Aunt Jude’s, Dad and Mom’s, our Brother Ted’s, etc.) we roll our eyes and prepare to be treated the same way we were treated when we were the adorable 5 year old or the rebellious 16 year old. Rarely do we experience a full and welcoming embrace of our present day selves; instead, we are constantly shadowed by the memory, stories and expectations of who we once were, sometimes in stark contrast to who we’ve become or would have liked to become.

And then, as if stepping into a time warp, we regress. Every “button” and annoyance that we have had since we were born is suddenly activated and pressed. And pressed. And pressed. And pressed. Suddenly we feel powerless, angry, frustrated and even hopeless. Will this EVER change? Will “they” ever see us as we truly are? Can we possibly find a way to take our power back during the Holiday Season?

ABSOLUTELY!

You can take your power back at any time.

I assert that holiday stress is a decision – usually made by default – NOT a FACT! You have the POWER to create what you want this holiday season. A few moments of calm visualization and some decisive actions are all it takes. Doing so is a 2 Step process:

• Step 1: Acknowledge when and how we give our power away, and
• Step 2: Decide on and commit to a plan for taking it back!

You can try it on now:.

Step 1 – Begin by imagining your typical holiday at this time of year (Channuka, Christmas, New Year’s Eve). Imagine who is usually around you. What are the smells? What music or noise do you hear? Really be there.

Great. Now write down your answers to the following questions:

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