Christmas Spirit

The ‘RELATIONAL’ aspects of preparing for the Holidays can be  the most overwhelming portion of all seasons of busyness. There are times we may wonder….’Where is my Holiday Spirit?’

When faced with the relational challenges that lie ahead of us, these few ‘Soul Care Habits’ can bring it all into focus!
When Expectations abound = Practice Flexibility!
When Rudeness abounds =Practice Protecting Dignity!
When Crankiness abounds = Practice Affirming Others!
When Negativity abounds = Practice Speaking Positives!
 
We all will find these habits a challenge! Christ abounded in Love in the face of being misunderstood, mistreated and abused to the point of death. Perhaps this season, we can share just a little ‘Christmas Spirit’ by practicing love in the midst of our circumstances.
 
When Boundaries are crossed - Can we give the benefit of the doubt & protect dignity as we speak truthfully to others?
When others are moody – Can we look for the good in them & tell them the good that we see?
When others disappoint us – Can we take it in stride & tell them we miss their sweet side?
When we are overwhelmed – Can we slow down, be quiet and practice being our best self?
When we are tempted to use Alcohol to self soothe – Can we restrict our intake so that we do not lose control over self?
When we feel lonely – Can we prompt intimacy with others by telling them what we admire about them?
Let us all remember….we have all been cranky, weak, negative, moody, rude and we all have disappointed someone. Can we act towards others the way that we would want them to act towards us?

Let us be the 1st to:

• Be Patient!
  
• Let others go first!
  
• Increase our tolerance of the human side of others!
  
• Let Go of our right to hold on to how others have wronged us!
  
• Trust with Discernment!
  
• Speak Truthfully & with Dignity!
  
• Speak about what is good, admirable and worthy of honor!
  

May you find Peace & Hope as you practice loving others with a true ‘Christmas Spirit’.

Merry Christmas to us all.

Warmly,
M. Diane Pearce, Ph.D., LMFT
Marriage & Family Therapist

By: Dr. M. Diane Pearce, PH.D, LMFT