Christmas with the family – pleasure or a pain?
As Christmas approaches, many of us will be preparing for the annual family get together.
Some of you will be looking forward to it.
A few of you will be putting on the family event or attending it because it’s the tradition in your family but dreading how it might turn out.
Others will have, as I used to, inflated expectations of what a lovely, friendly, happy event it would be – only to be disappointed. You can’t make a family that doesn’t have lovely, friendly, happy relationships through the year, have them on Christmas Day!
Take a STAR approach to the Festive Season
Whichever category you fall into, don’t let your ANTs (Automatic Negative Thoughts) get in the way.
Be aware if you feel yourself getting agitated or annoyed (i.e. The Almond Effect®). Notice it and tell yourself to calm down. It is only for this day. Don’t let the stress and tension cause you to miss the potential pleasure of having a hassle free Christmas.
Be a STAR. Stop and Think about what’s going on before you Act. Then when you reflect on the day, don’t let your brain strengthen any negative hard-wiring. Focus on the good things that happened and Rewire those.
And watch out for everyone else’s Almonds (amygdalae) too! Don’t rise to the bait.
Sugar coat the ‘almonds’ on this occasion – after all, it will be 365 days until the next one!
Hope you have a fabulous Festive Season and a wonderful 2010
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