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Written by Raymond Salas
The Really Simple Guide for Enjoying the Holidays
Here’s a simple guide for enjoying the holidays:
- Let go more.
What does this mean?
Let go of everyone else’s ideas and thoughts about what the holidays are supposed to be about. This includes all of the media’s ideas...the retail merchants’ ideas...your family’s ideas, etc. Let all of this go and ask yourself instead “What does the ideal holiday season look and feel like to me?” Whatever answer comes to you, go in that direction, as much as possible.
Now, I know this may sound kind of drastic. Or, you may not feel like you are able to change and do it all so differently so quickly, but I say “Why not try?” Any change, even a small one, would at least be progress in the direction that you actually want your life to go in.
“ ‘If everyone did exactly what they want to do, what kind of world would this be?’ And we say, a really, really good one. Because if everyone did what they wanted to do, everyone would feel free. And if you feel free, you feel empowered. And every negative emotion that exists—hear this—every negative emotion that exists is because there is some sense of loss of freedom somewhere in there.” - Esther Hicks
- Love more.
Love and be with those who you really want to be with this holiday season, not those who you feel like you have to or are supposed to be with. Compromising yourself in this way only leaves you feeling empty, unsatisfied and even, resentful. Who needs that?
Instead, find and go be with your tribe, those who you truly feel a bond and connection with. Sure, this may upset others who expect you to be "there" with them, wherever “there” is. But, whose life are you here living anyways? Yours or someone else’s version of your life?
If you haven’t already, it’s time to start choosing to live your life as you desire to live it, and let go of any need or desire for the approval of others in the process. There I said it!
- Laugh more.
Celebrate. Enjoy yourself. Have a good time. Laugh. Play. Do whatever feels good to you. Give yourself permission to let loose. It’s o.k. No, really it is! If you can’t, don’t, or won’t, what’s the point then?
- Give more.
Shift your focus from “what can I get?” to “what can I give?” If you do, it will completely change, not only your holidays, but your entire life experience.
Giving more doesn’t necessarily mean buying more presents, racking up credit card bills, or spending money you don’t have on things you don’t need.
It could, however, mean giving more of your time and energy to those in need…like a charity, friend, or family member. Or, donating canned goods and food to the hungry.
Or, creating, sharing, or making something that adds beauty to the world...like holiday cards for the local children’s hospital, singing songs to the elderly, or planting a tree.
You get the idea… give in whatever way feels good to you. Let your heart be your guide.
- Be grateful more.
During the holiday season, it is always powerful to remember to pause and bring to mind the things that you’re truly grateful for. You don’t even need to try to feel positive, think happy thoughts, or feel good. By simply focusing on things that you’re truly grateful for, all of this will happen naturally. They are all by-products of gratitude.
This is also a good practice not only for the holidays, but every day.
“A very fast and effective way to guarantee that you will like what comes back to you (in life) is to stay in the mode of appreciation. Appreciation is a pure positive Energy vibration that always matches things you want in your experience.” - Esther Hicks
Happy holidays!
Related and recommended posts:
- 10 Ways to Change from Feeling Crappy to Feeling Happy- How to Hit the "Reset" Button for Your Day...or Life
