Over the past week, I have spent time with friends, neighbors, clients and former associates. The topic of conversation was Christmas but, more specifically, the traditions and expectations of 'times gone by'.
I'm sure that many of you, like me, see the Folger's coffee commercials on TV at this time of year. Lovely thought and awesome experience for those who see themselves in these commercials.
On the other hand, it's easy for me to remember back 9 years when we, as a family, were sitting at the NICU in the hospital with our son and daughter-in-law. We were praying for the health and safety of our precious little grandson. I can remember looking out the window of the hospital, watching people go by, and thinking to myself: "Don't they know? Don't they realize how serious life is 'in here'?" And I know there are many people going through similar experiences right now, today.
Have you ever heard the expression: "Don't get your hopes up too high so you won't be disappointed!"
Well, that's not the way I choose to live my life – and I don't want you to adopt that mindset either! It is all about mindset! How would I explain to my grandson that, 9 years ago: " I didn't want to get my hopes up too high for your survival?" Are you kidding me? Of course, I had high hopes and continue to have great expectations for him and his life – no different than I do for my own life.
So, as I mentioned earlier in the article, there are times when old traditions just don't serve us well anymore. It may be because of a new blended family, a temporary stay in hospital, a move across the country and being in new surroundings – there are many reasons to consider some changes this December.
You 'get to' choose how you want to live your life, day by day – whether or not it's December and whether or not you are surrounded by all the 'ho, ho, ho' of the season. Whether or not we face adversity or sheer loneliness at this time of year, we still 'get to' choose how we go through the day.
There are ways of managing this and getting our thinking in order. For me, it's the powerful techniques of goal-setting, affirmation writing and visualization. And they work!
In my grandson's situation, all those years ago, we goal-set to ensure he was surrounded (in his incubator) by positive, up-lifting, happy statements – no negative energy allowed in the room. For me, when I first moved across the country, it was a matter of getting up, each and every day, and goal-setting to find new places to go/new traditions throughout the month of December. It can be challenging when you live alone and work from home! For blended families, it's all about communication – respect and honor the past, but build for the future – for the new. It's all possible and you are in control!
When I was on my trip around the world, we were in Prague and Iceland in early December. I want to share a few more photos of some of the winter activities that we experienced – some were grand (like attending the Symphony in Prague; some were just plain fun (like sharing an ice cream with Susan in Iceland).
It really is all about the way you think when it comes to getting through life, one day at a time.
(If you would like to join me on the next world tour, call my friend, Ben, President of Travel Guild: 1.800.268.4284 for information.)
You change the way you think – and you can change your life!
In most of those examples (above), I used the powerful mindset techniques that I teach – all of which helped me to build the clarity, courage and confidence to get where I am today. You can too! Visit my website at www.steps2happiness.com/buildingcourageandconfidence to learn more.
Steps2Happiness Assignment
- If you live alone (and this is a new situation because of death, divorce, etc.), then make an effort each day to get up, get dressed and do something to make YOU feel better – go to a movie, go to a concert, go for a walk – there's lots of places you can go, and things you can do, by yourself – and it doesn't have to cost money. Goal-set to have fun!
- As a blended family, discuss and plan some new traditions this year – at least one and get excited about it.
- As 'empty nesters', get creative about people, places and things – there is so much to explore out there in the big world!
- If you are facing a serious health situation, be sure to ask for help – for what you need! This is no time to be 'Miss Independent" – let people share the gift of helping and accept it.
