Adding the “emotional” aspect we need to look at during the Holidays

Greetings,

Unfortunately, while some of these memories and occasions bring a lot of joy and a much needed restful break, there are also the dynamics of past hurts and pain, loss of relationships to either death, divorce, misunderstandings that have not been mended, etc. Often distances have been created by changing where one works or lives so there is the added stress of travel and loss of contact with people and things that once were a part of our lives. And the list goes on.

There can also be “perceived” expectations that are not met by others or ourselves, the past that cannot be resurrected simply because we grow and change as we get older and have different experiences that we bring into our “current” life.

For those of us who are emotional eaters, it can be a very challenging time to get through without gaining weight. We also often find ourselves getting sick from the stress, lack of sleep and unhealthier and / or overeating that we often fall prey to. These side effects can often catch the unsuspecting individual off guard, who normally is a healthy eater and grounded in good, “routine” habits. Sometimes we take a “hit” without being consciously aware of it, until after we have indulged in things that we normally would not.

What are our pitfalls that we find ourselves “falling into” during the Holiday Season? Social gatherings?

We are going to be brave and address these. After checking off ones that apply to you, add your own personal ones. Also write down the details connected with the ones you checked.

Examples of these can be:
____ Stress created by seeing people we have not seen in awhile.
____ Worrying about our “image” both physically and with the circumstances in our lives, homes, family, work, etc.
____ Wanting things to be different – wanting to be with someone, wishing someone wasn’t in our lives, feeling alone, feeling smothered and trying to live up to other’s expectations, etc.
____ Feeling pulled in too many directions.
____ Too much responsibility for everyone else’s happiness.
____ Money issues and expectations – spending too much, not having enough to spend, going in debt.
____
____
____
Example: I miss the family gathering with my Mother and Father, the meal shared together and getting to shop for gifts for my Mother with each great-grandchild, grandchild and for myself. She really appreciated and enjoyed her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, delighting in the things they chose to give her, which were often hand-made or just small items they picked out for her and she cherished them all.

Unfortunately they’re both gone now so I have to build my traditions with my children and grandchildren as I’m now the “older generation”.

And don’t forget, we can always “add” people to our “family” time and gatherings as there are many people who don’t get to see or be with their families for many reasons and could use some “love” and new traditions instead of feeling the “aloneness” the holidays can bring.

Blessings as you face looking at some difficult situations that you normally just waltz through without thought.  With courage you can bring some joy to the season in the midst of the stress!