Holding on to yourself and what is important to you is challenging in this holiday season. We feel the demands on our time and resources increasing and our ability to center and fill ourselves with the energy we need, decreasing. To find the middle road in our responses to life is sometimes difficult. Let us begin by remembering a few important principles.
1. There is no perfection in this world.
When you find yourself striving too hard and using too much energy, remind yourself that you do not need to try for something that is not possible.
2. You cannot make others happy by sacrificing your own well being.
This can be a very tempting principle to ignore during the holidays. For this period of time, we are constantly being sold the idea that the happiness of others can be bought. It is never true. You do a greater service by demonstrating peaceful well being in your own life.
3. Your life is not defined by what you do in a brief season, but it is defined by the intention you carry with you all the time.
Your worth is demonstrated every day of your life and is based on your response to your chosen intentions. When you are faithful to what you love and that love is reflected in your actions, you do not need to stress yourself during the holidays.
4. Never make the sacrifice no one asked for.
It is easy to be caught up in expectations that have no real basis in reality. It is important not to sacrifice for things that may not even be appreciated. Find within yourself the loving and generous impulses and act on those. When giving is a natural impulse of the heart, the gift will be the right one.
5. Remember that you are the true gift. Take care of yourself and make that caretaking a priority. Rest, meditate and listen to your true voice. When you do these things, you bring yourself into alignment with the best energy of the holiays–love.
May the year bring you peace, love and the joy of a balanced and nurtured life.