… typical New Year’s messaging can instill a mountain of shame before the old year even ends. Launching the new year with a list of “things I need to fix” feels so crappy.

We don’t have to do it this way!

Do you dread the drama of holiday gatherings? If so, try this approach that a wise friend taught me years ago. It’s simple, effective, and often quite amusing.

Worrying is easy to fall into at any time, and the holidays are chock-full of opportunities. Our brains have these old, ineffective habits of trying to keep us safe by serving up “what if” thoughts over and over. We get stuck in negative thought spirals about things that haven’t even happened yet. It feels terrible, and it can be crippling.

Try exchanging your worrying what-ifs for intentional what-ifs.

We talk a lot about the importance of being present, but that can feel like an abstract goal. What does presence look like… and feel like? The holidays provide lots (and lots) of opportunities to practice presence. What is holiday presence… and what is it not?

Whether we’re on the giving or receiving end of obligation gifting, it can feel empty, phony or like a lousy use of resources. We can change this - we have options!

It’s easy to approach the holidays the same way you always have: the same decorations, the same gatherings, the same gifts, the same people, the same traditions, the same to-do list… 

…the same stress… overwhelm… resentment… dread…

I’m thrilled to be on this amazing podcast!