The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year. They can also be the most stressful, aggravating, and a direct path to financial ruin, in addition to awakening all your past family feuds and your need to hit the gym, but I digress. For many, it can also be a time of grief or nostalgia over far-away family, people they’ve lost, or financially dire situations.
As an immigrant, while it’s a time of joy and family bonding, I’m always reminded of the part of my family that is not with me. The parents, siblings, and dear friends scattered all over the world who don’t get to celebrate with me unless we happen to be in the same geographical area. The loved ones we’re fortunate to see on social media or on Facetime, but can’t hug close. Yet, we still have to find peace with it all…
Sometimes, navigating the highs and lows of the holidays is just a matter of finding peace in the midst of it all. Here are a few ways to create a little more of that, and a lot less of the not-so-good stuff:
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Get organized
The holidays are usually a busy time of year. This also means that you will be overwhelmed with so much to do and not enough time to accomplish it all. I used to wait until the last minute to rush and try to get everything done. Something about the adrenaline rush…
Yet, I’ve learnt to actually come prepared and have a plan to tackle the holidays. Whether it’s making a list ahead of time, schedule your shopping activities, or pre-make some meals, find ways to get organized and minimize the stress.
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Take care of you
Take some time to unwind and rest over the holidays. Many of us usher in a new year with loads of stress instead of peace and tranquility, simply because we won’t take a break!
As much as we may have a to-do list filled to the brim, it’s ok to stop and observe a pause! This may mean leaving some emails unanswered, skipping social media and not worrying about the house being in tip-top shape. Instead, you will have a chance to recharge your batteries and come back fresher and more energized than ever!
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Do something for someone else
I’ve learnt over time that the best way to solve my own problems is to help someone else. There’s something about coming to others’ aid that fills us with peace. At a time when we’re so hurried and stressed out, helping others may just be what we need.
Whether it’s a simple phone call to a relative, volunteering at a local shelter, or offering a total stranger a cup of coffee, try doing something for someone else. Anything.
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Let it go!
Do you notice how the holidays can seem to awaken a host of difficult feelings we may have buried inside forever? It may be a sign that it’s time to let go of those challenging emotions and feelings that cost us so much of our peace of mind.
Whether it’s bitterness, resentment, anger or simply confusion, let it go. Opt instead for not having all the answers, and focusing on what makes your soul smile. It’s a win-win.
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Forgive yourself for what you didn’t know
As you let go of the internal turmoil that may plague you, also consider forgiving yourself. We don’t often realize how much we hold ourselves hostage to our own expectations as well as those of others. The end result is as debilitating as it is damaging to our peace and progress.
Forgive yourself for what you didn’t know, didn’t do well, or failed at. Turn these into lessons instead, and make peace with where you are on the way to where you’re going.
How do you find peace over the holidays?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sister.
