Christmas is about many different things for each of us, with many feeling the pressure to be festive and of good cheer. The kind of Christmas we have is largely dependent on the choices we make.
C – Calm – being and remaining calm starts with breathing slowly and deeply. This state is always available to you, once you choose to make it a priority in your life. Choose to bring a calm presence to those around you this Christmas.
H – Happiness is not a destination – it is a decision you make every day. It comes as a result of the choices you make.
R – Relax – being relaxed begins with noticing your thoughts and depends on your choosing to focus on thoughts that bring peace and ease, comfort and harmony.
I – Intention– the intention behind all that we do is as important as the action itself. Having a positive intention directly impacts the outcome of you interaction with others. Choose your intention wisely.
S – Sorry – saying sorry is often the key to saving a relationship. Who in your life do you need to say the words “I’m sorry” to? Choose to give yourself the gift that saying sorry to someone else will bring to you.
T – Time – give the gift of time – Choose to give your presence to someone this Christmas. It is the greatest present you can give to someone.
M -Mindfulness – ruminating on the past and worrying about the future occupies most of our time, causing us stress and torment. Choose to practice being in the present moment – it is a great gift that you can give to yourself.
A – Alternatives – things do not have to be the way they always have been. Allow yourself to see alternative and choose ways that support your wellbeing.
S- Simplicity – “simplicity is the highest form of sophistication”(Leonardo da Vinci). Choose to simplify your Christmas plans so that you have more time to just be, rather than running around and always ‘doing’.
So this Christmas, please choose carefully. Remember there is always choice. Even when we think there are no choices available to us, we can always choose our thoughts.
The choices you make each day determine what you do and what you are becoming while you do it.
Wishing you a happy, peace-filled Christmas.
Elizabeth