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Dear Reader,
The holidays are upon us and I wish you all the best
the season has to offer. No matter what your belief, your religion or
background, this can be a wonderful time to reconnect with family and
friends and to feel the joy of giving. For many the holidays can be a
tough time filled with stress, expectations and worry. Remember, the
spirit of the season is created from the inside, not from anything
external. Create joy and wonder on the inside and it will manifest
itself in miracles and wellbeing for the holidays.
Spread cheer this season by forwarding this
email.
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 Rudolph the Red-nose
Reindeer
The story of Rudolph the red-nosed
reindeer is familiar to each of us as the song is played each
year during the holiday season. We all know the story of the young
flying reindeer that had a big shiny red nose. His playmates and
peers poked fun of him and did not invite him to play their games.
Rudolph felt put down, rejected and suffered from a low self-esteem.
He wanted to fit in, he wanted to make a contribution but was kept
back by those who labeled him different and un-desirable.
It wasn't until one foggy Christmas Eve Santa came to Rudolph and
asked him to lead his sleigh on the most important mission delivering
gifts to deserving boys and girls. As the song says, 'then all the
reindeer loved him and they shouted out with glee.' going on to say
that Rudolph would go down in history.
Are there any Rudolph's in your life? Someone who is feeling unwanted,
unwelcome and doesn't fit in for whatever reason? Do you treat them
like the other reindeer did or are you able to see them like Santa
did? Like Santa, you can make a real difference in their life by
simply recognizing them as important, acknowledging their strengths
and potential instead of scoffing at their weaknesses. I am sure
there is at least one Rudolph that you know that could use a boost
this Christmas. Instead of looking high and low for that special
gift, look for Rudolph this Christmas and give him the greatest gift
of all by acknowledging him/her and being grateful for them. Not only
will you make a difference in their life, but in your own life as
well.
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Got the holiday blues?
Kirk's tips
to stay upbeat during the holidays
1. Make your own merry: Recognize that you the only one responsible for creating
a stress-free and happy holiday season. There are a lot of people in
worse situations so get into to the spirit of the season and enjoy it
no matter what! Don't wait for anyone else to make this a great
holiday because you can do it! Remember that the spirit of holidays
is not something created by external factors; it is created on the
inside. From the inside out.
2. Be a
holiday hero:
·At
the drive thru: Pay for the person behind you at the
drive through or standing in line for coffee. You will definitely
make someone's day.
·Do
something unexpected: There is nothing like having
someone do something nice that is unexpected. Do that for someone
today and help make their holiday happier and you will feel happier
was well.
·Donate
your time: For many of us, time is more valuable than
money. Giving of your time is a very personal and appreciated more
than any material gift.
·Reach
out to those in need -face to face: There are so many
opportunities to give donations, gift certificates and be charitable.
All of that is good. But if you really want to stay upbeat during the
holidays find a way to be of service face to face. You will feel of
their warmth and gratitude that will in turn help you appreciate all
you have in life and help you participate in the holidays in a new
and meaningful way.
3. It's ok
to fly solo: Accept invitations to go out, to
join others even it means going alone. Don't make excuses only to
stay home and bemoan being alone. You will feel better being out than
in.
4. Don't
over-indulge:
·On spending: Set a budget and stick to it - even
it means giving more thoughtful gifts. Don't create more stress by
going in debt to buy a gift.
·On giving: don't over-give. In your heart you know
what is appropriate. You don't need to impress anyone by what you
give. Give what your heart and intuition tells you.
·On partying: Remember, that at office parties,
family dinners and other gatherings, moderation is always a good
policy.
5. Unwrap
and unwind: If you do get down, or feel like you have
the blues - don't let it last. Accept you may be having a down day
and do something about it. Call an old friend and reconnect. Go
somewhere to escape the madness and mediate on what the season really
means to you. If you get the blues, seek out someone to talk to about
it. Remember that laughter is the best medicine so learn to laugh at
yourself or subscribe to a joke page or go to a comedy club or rent a
funny movie. Take charge of lifting your own spirits.
6. Look for
miracles that happen around you. Start noticing the
nice things people do for each other doing the holidays. You may even
want to keep a list. Once you start to look for these miracles you
will see that there are a lot of people doing wonderful things for
others. This will renew your spirit and create positive emotions to
help you stay upbeat.
7. Forgive
and accept: When it comes to family and friends those
gatherings can add a lot of stress. You can reduce that stress by
going to those events having cleared the air of any offenses or
grudges. Also, accept that these gatherings will not be perfect. That
people come to these gatherings with loaded expectation. Unload your
expectations and go with the intent to see family and friends as
innocent instead of guilty of some offense.
8. Be
emotionally generous: There is so much emphasis on
gift giving that we can forget that giving of who we are not just of
what we have can be the greatest gift of all. Give someone the
benefit of the doubt, be welcoming, kind and understanding to
everyone you encounter without judgment. By being emotionally
generous you will feel the true spirit and meaning in this holiday
season.
9. Simplify Gift indecision: Don't stress out over what to give. Typically your
first idea is the best. However, I suggest you step back from the
decision and let the answer come to you. My advice is to go simple
over elaborate.
10. Don't stress out over the 'shoulds' of the
holidays. Prioritize those events and
gatherings that you want to attend and then evaluate the ones that
you feel you need to attend and gracefully decline the others. You
don't need to give excuses just simply say thank you for the
invitation but that you have other plans. Even if your plans are to
unwrap and unwind - those are your 'other plans.'
Remember a 'pity party' is not a holiday party: Be grateful and gracious about all you have and don't
focus on what you do not have. Look around you. Even if your
situation is not ideal there is still so much to be grateful
for.
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Happiness
Matters and The Happiness Factor are dedicated to helping you to find
greater satisfaction, reach your potential and be happier than you
ever thought possible.
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