Last week I discussed about the “Mask of perfection” .
Which ties in nicely with Thanksgiving.
Thanksgiving is a perfect time to really think about all that we are thankful for AND it is also a time of loneliness, stress, and connecting with extended family/friends. For many the Thanksgiving holiday signals a time of stress because of traveling, judgement from others, presenting perfection, ongoing need for approval, and the list goes on. In order to really get the most of the holiday I invite you to try some of my suggestions. I know most of you have read and heard many things about gratitude, so I am hoping to expand on that message. Here are some suggestions:
1. Connect with your WHY. Spend time on Thanksgiving really thinking about and writing down your why. Why are you spending time with family on Thanksgiving? Do you miss your family and want to reconnect, do you want to be around a warm environment? If you chose not to spend time with family, connect with that WHY. Of course there are those of you who have an idea of where you would like to be on thanksgiving but simply can’t be there for various reasons. Connect with your WHY for your career, marriage, kids, boyfriends, friends, whatever makes your life purposeful. What really makes your life purposeful?
2. Perspective. Your perspective can change everything. As Wayne Dyer says “Changing your thoughts about your life changes your life.” (forgive me if that’s not the exact quote, but you get the idea 🙂 Look and focus on the positive in your current situation. This goes along the theme of Thanksgiving, which is giving thanks for what you do have. Go into any dinner, travel, or even alone time focusing on the benefits and advantages about your situation. If your Thanksgiving gathering is a difficult one, know that it is one dinner, one weekend, and this too shall pass! How can you change how you look at things?
3. Know your triggers. If you are with anyone on Thanksgiving, there is a good possibility that someone says or does something to trigger you. This is the nature of people, to foster internal growth! When you are triggered, you may feel the need to defend yourself, or have to explain your life. DONT! STOP! Take a few deep breaths and know you are OK< you are doing your best, and you are exactly where you need to be. Now, if you have anything in your life that you are sensitive about, and you know that can be upset or triggered, you have already taken the first step in dealing with it by acknowledging it exists. Once you know what can trigger you, prepare your affirmation and your answers! For all you single ladies, your trigger may be, “Why aren’t you married yet!” in that case your response could be “Why does that matter? or “It isn’t in the Divine plan yet” whatever resonates with you. You affirmation may be “I am exactly where I need to be at this point in my life.”
4. Give back. What are your gifts? How can you pay it forward? You have the ability to make a difference. How will you do that this year? Let thanksgiving be your time to think about how you will give back. Today you may spend time volunteering or you may not, it’s OK whatever you do. It isn’t just about Thanksgiving day, think about how you can give back on a regular basis.
I hope this adds to your gratitude. You have so much to be grateful for! I wish you JOY and GRATITUDE!
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