Harness Your Power: Prepare for the Holidays (and Challenging Family Members)

In the spirit of Thanksgiving (for those here in the United States) and for those getting ready for the December Holiday Season, I thouhgt I'd offer you some ideas to get prepare for the interesting and sometimes difficult interactions with family and friends.

1. NOTHING needs to be taken personally -- especially in regards to your family members! Remember that just because they are snappy, judgmental, or overly direct, you really never know what is happening inside them.  But, the way they act toward you has to do with THEM not you.  Be as compassionate and understanding as you can.  Let what they say go in one ear and out the other rather than taking this to heart. 

2. Be a kid...have fun, lighten up, relax, let it flow...take the days you have visitors in stride and focus on fun and laughter and love.

3. PEACE and LOVE and JOY...these are your key words...if you focus on creating moments of this, and release all heavy energy, this will be a wonderful time.

4. Before next Thursday write a list of everything you like and appreciate about those who you dread interacting with the most.  Keep the list in your pocket on Thanksgiving day and as soon as you feel yourself getting worked up, then stop and read...focus on the good, focus on the good...let the rest go.

5. Be you and enjoy the moment. Make sure that you enjoy yourself.  For those of you who get tired of dealing with difficult adutls, why not get on the floor with the kids or go outside and play!
Hope some of these tips work for you!  You won't know unless you give them a try.


Here are a few affirmations to use in preparing mentally.  Pick one or two of these each day and repeat them to yourself often.

I have a peaceful, loving holiday with my family.

We grow together and love each other more.

I am compassionate toward _______________ (fill in the blank with a challenging person).

I see the best in each person.

I offer love and kindness.

Nothing is personal.

I let people be who they are!

I lighten up and have a good time.

I laugh and eat and smile and cook and play.

I give thanks for it all...even the difficulty!

With love,
Patricia Omoqui, The Thought Dr.
http://www.patriciaomoqui.com/