How would you like to trade in feelings of overwhelm and holiday stress (which I admit are mounting by the second for me. YIKES! There are only 7 days till Thanksgiving, and I don't have enough carrot recipes to get me through a 4-day weekend with my family!), for moments of calm, peace, tranquility and pride, self-expression and accomplishment?
How would you like to focus on the joy of the holiday, remember the fun moments, the giggles, the 'creative' ways in which you navigated family situations?
"Yes!" you enthusiastically reply. "I sure would like to trade in holiday stress, 'negative' feelings that are causing me to spiral downward ... and on the way down, grab a hunk or two of Pumpkin, Apple and Coconut Custard Pie!"
"Is it possible?" you ask.
"Yes!" I answer. "It is possible and here's how! ...
... Create Your Holiday Journal!
Whether or not you are experienced at journaling, whether or not you consider yourself a writer, whether or not you have a creative bone in your body, I can tell you that keeping a holiday journal is a great antidote to holiday stress, and it is a lot of fun!
Your journal will help you to focus on the experiences of the holiday season - all the happy and joyful experiences - and the other ones, too (perhaps in a humorous and transformative way)!
Your Holiday Journal presents an opportunity to record yourself in the image you'd like to be remembered. (Hmmmmm ... think about that! Don't leave it up to your kids to tell your grandchildren and great grandchildren what you were like; spin your own tale! Speaking from my own paranoia!)
In all seriousness, you can also use your journal to reflect on your blessings and your spiritual journey through the holiday season. By adding to your journal each year, you will create a wonderful keepsake for your family, as well as a record to help you make the Holiday Season better each year.
And an extra bonus. You can't eat while your hands are busy cutting and pasting photos or writing with pretty pens!
Step One: Journal Style
It is important to select your journal carefully.
This book is a place where you will share your innermost thoughts, feelings, reflections about the holidays. It can be a place to hold artifacts and photos. Perhaps a recipe or two that you want to hold on to for next year. Or a recipe or two that totally bombed with photos of people's faces eating something into which, you inadvertently spilled the entire contents of a bottle of hot sauce. (See, humor!)
Take time to select and set up your Journal in a way that suits you best and if, at some point, it's not working, get a new book! (Revolutionary idea!!!)
Your journey should appeal to you on a number of levels. You might consider its feel, its look and functionality. Feel good about your book. Feel comfortable and relaxed when writing in it.
Step Two: Organize Your Journal
I'm imagining that you don't want your journal to be an extension of your junk drawer or overly cluttered linen closet! Chaos, disorder! How will you organize your journal?
Perhaps you'll want to keep in chronological order. Day 1: Sweet Potato Pie Fight ... or you might want your journal to have sections. One section for happy moments; another for recipes; or another for photographs.
Step Three: Diary vs. Repository of Memories
Most people think of journals as diaries, but in this case it is more than that. You are recording experiences and feelings about a specific period of time. How will you explore your experiences? Your feelings? Might you include others, inviting them to contribute a page or their thoughts?
Whatever type of journal you choose, however you organize it, you will be so pleased at the end of the holiday season when you look through the wonderful keepsake that you created.
Have fun!
Spread the word ... NOT the icing,
Janice
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Janice Taylor is a Life & Wellness Coach, Cert. Hypnotist, author,columnist, seminar leader and 50 pound big-time-loser...
... and the creator of Our Lady of Weight Loss
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Kay Goldstein: Holiday Stress Tips: Finding Comfort and Joy in a Busy Season
Laurie Nadel: Are Your Holidays Not As Happy As They Should Be? Reinvent Them
Dr. Cara Barker: Holiday Grieving: How to Best Support the Mourning This Time of Year
Your book, "Our Lady Of Weight Loss" is a hoot. Thanks!
Thank you and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
This sounds like a fun one. We could use some fun in this economic pit.
AND Yes, I could use some help controlling what goes into my mouth both during and after the holiday season. So, I'm happy to try covering my hands in glue. Didn't help when I was a kid, but these are different times.