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The ‘pull’ is there, if you can’t think for yourself. The media is
most obvious culprit –
ads on TV and radio that increasingly bombard us with a sensational, insensitive and expensive lifestyle; but our friends, neighbors, colleagues and even loved-ones may do
same.
RESIST!
As an adult 'child' you may be vulnerable to
expectations and judgments of your parents, i.e., “But we always have a party on Christmas Eve, then breakfast on Christmas Day, then church …” and on and on.
Likewise as a grandparent, your adult married children can lead you a merry chase, not just requiring you attend activities, but asking you to fill in when they’re in over their heads, gotten sick, and need help. “Mom!! I’ve got to get
cards out,
baby’s sick,
house is a mess, we’ve got houseguests coming …”
If you work in an office, you’re vulnerable to
hub-bub around you. Deanna is giving her husband a golf vacation, shouldn’t you? Julie’s husband is buying her a sapphire ring, shouldn’t you feel bad if your husband isn’t? If you aren’t centered, and using your EQ, it’s whiplash!
And all
parties, with
liquor, sweets and unhealthy foods you don’t need. Getting off your schedule, and letting
kids get off theirs. Not getting enough sleep. Spending too much money and worrying about it. And
first thing to go is your exercise regime.
Even your place of worship will have a full schedule of events and services beckoning to you, and every organization you belong to is giving a party.
It all adds up to stress, stress impacts your immune system, and you get sick. This throws you farther behind your frenetic schedule, adding more stress.
STOP THE MADNESS!
This year, try something different. Do half of what you consider doing. This will mean having priorities,
first of which is your health and well-being, and that of your family.
Fix half of what you ordinarily do for your Christmas dinner. Try adding some healthy foods. They are always easier to prepare. What does it take to put a pear on a dessert plate and serve it? (Make it festive with garnish – squirt on some whipped cream, add mint leaves and red peppermint.) Some sautéed green beans with dill? Add some pimiento; you have red and green!
Then spend about half of what you consider spending – on
kids but also on your partner and other loved ones. Running up
credit cards is a stressor too.
Try giving more of your self – your time and your attention. If you think that’s “harder,” you’re right, and also you need to take a look at this.
Basic to all this – you have to take care of yourself. Set an example for others this year and start new traditions. Half as many!
