A Holiday Potluck of Emotional Dynamics
Most people plan way in advance for their holiday dinner and holiday social menu. But, have you planned your emotional holiday menu?
Emotions can run especially high during the holiday season. Long periods spent with relatives can lead to emotional turmoil for a lot of people. Although not everyone experiences emotional distress during the holidays, uncomfortable situations or frustrating dynamics often arise.
If your menu includes any of these holiday treats, consider these healthier alternatives:
To bring clarity to any moment, ask yourself these energy-maintaining questions:
- How do I want to RESPOND in this moment (calmly, patiently, powerfully, I just want to remove myself from this moment and down a gallon of ice cream, etc.)?
- How do I want to FEEL in this moment (happy, joyful, content, every complex can’t- decide-what-to-do-with-it emotion on the planet, etc.)?
- Who do I want to BE in this moment (balanced, grounded, a kind person, someone who doesn’t wind up in jail, etc.)?
- What would I RATHER experience in this moment (love, fun interactions, meaningful conversation, needles in my eyeballs, etc)?
You have a choice as to whether or not you’re going to eat what’s being dished out. And in each moment, you get to choose how you’re going to respond.
And the frosting on the cake is…it’s scientifically proven that your body processes food and absorbs vitamins and nutrients more efficiently when you are in a state of joy.
BON APPÉTIT!!!
Playing with the Author ~ Lori Kuhn
When it comes to holiday dynamics, my family has it covered. I’m the youngest of seven and my husband is the youngest of ten, which means that our holidays are spent with A LOT of relatives. I always joke that every year someone shows up at Christmas that I’ve never seen before. I’m also quite sure that our parties have been crashed on more than one occasion. But, I am fortunate that our holidays are always filled with good times, laughter, and lots of love. That doesn’t mean we’re free from drama or a multitude of the potluck menu items listed above. It just means that I’ve learned to navigate those situations in such a way that I experience them as part of the beauty of the holiday season.
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