Coping with Holiday Anxiety

It’s important to remember that every day can be meaningful. It’s truly a new chance to reflect, grow, and make small changes as we navigate through life. Over the years, I have jotted down little reminders, affirmations, quotes, and expressions that I’ve heard, read, or made up. They seem to really help me when I’m looking for more strength. I wanted to share them with you in the hopes that they will help you, too.

• Stick to the present. Rather than worrying about the future or dwelling on the past, focus on what is actually happening now and what is actually in your power to do now. It’s important to understand that happiness does not lie in the past or the future. It lies in the present moment.
• Pain is out of your control. Self-compassion is in your control.
• You’re imperfect, like everyone else, and that’s OK. Your self-worth is not dependent on an accomplishment, number, or status.
• You have already overcome so many things.
• You need to ignore what everyone else is doing and achieving. Your life is about breaking your own limits. You are not in competition with anyone else. Plan to outdo your past, not other people.
• You are constantly changing; your world is constantly changing; everything you experience (physical, mental, and emotional) will come and go.
• The longest relationship you’ll have in your life is the one with yourself. Other people will come and go, but you’ll be with yourself from birth until death. The sooner you decide to start being kind to yourself, the longer you have to live life supporting rather than undermining yourself.
• Whatever it is that you’re going through, chances are there are thousands of others going through a similar experience. Being perfect is not what connects people. Vulnerability brings us closer together.
• To ask for help is not a sign of weakness; it’s actually a sign of strength, courage and intelligence.
• Just breathe. You got this.

I know these tips are a bit easier to write than they are to do for many of us. I believe that the more we as parents can get in touch with our values and what is most important to us, the more we can slow down and do things that really matter. Plus, the more we are likely to enjoy them which means our whole family will be happier!