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Merry Christmas + Happy Holidays!!

I want to wish everyone a peaceful holiday season….and as I like to say, “peace begins at home.”   Our homes ought to be a place of refuge – a place where we feel safe and calm – a place where we are intellectually stimulated and cared for and loved  - a place where we extend our love and care to those who are closest to – a place where our opinions and feelings are heard and valued – a place where we can be ourselves and not be judged – a place where we can be creative – a place where we respect others and where we are respected – a place where we are needed so we learn to contribute – a place where we always know we are loved and valued.

The Christmas season is often a time of both joy and sorrow for people.  Family conflict, separation, loss, death of loved ones, poverty, geographical distance of loved ones, and financial difficulties are some of the life events that cause people to feel sadness, anger, hurt and sorrow.   When families and friends get along and there is good food, music, laughter and fun, people tend to experience joy.  Often both of these experiences exist for people during the holiday season and therefore there is a mix of conflicting emotions.  Whatever your situation is, do your best to be present with the people you care about and extend your love and care to those with whom you are sharing your time.

Thoughts to ponder:

1. You do not have a right to say or do hurtful things to people in your life just because they are family.
2. Think and pause before you say or do something harmful.  Think of the short and long-term consequences.  You can’t take something back that you said or did that was harmful. 
3. Kindness goes a long way.
4. Take time every day to say or do something that will positively build a relationship.
5. It’s important to be honest, but remember to be compassionate and act with integrity.  Brutal honesty, bordering on meanness is not a virtue.
6. Before you criticize your partner, acknowledge your own shortcomings and work toward changing them. 

If you are experiencing relationship difficulties, remember that the longer you put off getting help, the more difficult it usually is to repair the relationship.  The best way to maintain a healthy relationship is through prevention. 

This holiday season, take some time to be outside in the fresh air, get some rest, read a good book, play, watch a good movie, get exercise and be kind to each other.

Take care,

Barbara