We are coming up on one of the most wonderful, beautiful, heart-wrenching, emotional times of the year–Christmas. I have heard so many people express sadness, emptiness, loneliness, grief, anger, and depression about Christmas lately that I’m wondering what is happening? Why all the negative feelings?
I have to admit, I’m one of those people expressing negativity. Stress is a big demon in my life, something I have struggled with for a long time. And I get really stressed around the holidays, trying to find the perfect gifts, baking the best cookies, coordinating all the family get-togethers so that everyone gets to see everybody.
But does it really have to be like that? Why can’t we just stop and celebrate the season for what it is supposed to be–joyous? Joy can be a super hard thing to achieve. Yet, once it’s reached, it is well worth it. So why don’t we strive to be fully engulfed in a joyous holiday instead of frantically running through stressed events and emotions?
I am challenging myself, and in turn challenging you, to be about the present and not the presents, to be loving and not livid, to be joyous and not overwhelmed this Christmas. Take a step back and remember why we celebrate. Don’t get wrapped up in the details and the perfection. Instead, focus on the positive things, the love and blessings all around you. And even if you feel you can’t feel all of this because the holidays are really a bad time due to a death, a job loss, and other life changes, remember that every breath you take could be considered a blessing and a reason to celebrate.
Happy holidays all!
Grossly Abundant Life 