Do You Know What You Want for Christmas?

By: Deirdre McEachern - [family]
Do You Know What You Want for Christmas?" by Deirdre McEachern, ICF Certified Personal Coach

"Half an hour's meditation is essential except when you are very busy. Then a full hour is needed." -Francis de Sales

The last few days before Christmas (and Hanukkah and Kwanzaa) can sometimes become a little too hectic. Excitement and anticipation quickly translate into stress, frustration and anxiety. This is an especially important time to protect yourself from the dangers of "over-doing". You don't want to lose your ability to enjoy the holiday experience.

I have found that one of the keys to really appreciating this season requires me to take a step back to acknowledge my underlying desires and expectations. I stop and ask myself two simple yet powerful questions: (1) What is most important to me about this year's holidays? and (2) Now that I know what is important to me, what do I need to put in place for the upcoming holiday to be most meaningful?

Try asking yourself these two questions. Quiet your mind for a moment and let the answers arise from your heart. Your deepest and most honest answers may surprise you.

For you, this holiday may be about giving gifts that create joy for others. If so, you may need to set aside a little extra time for thinking of imaginative gifts. Perhaps this holiday season is more about deeply connecting with people you only see once a year. In that case, you might wish to make special plans to spend extra time with someone while they are in town. For some of us these holidays might be a profound time of reflection and gratitude for all the blessings in our lives. If this is true for you, you may want to plan some time for journaling or taking a solitary walk in nature. For others, this year's holidays might simply be a long overdue chance to have fun and unwind. In that case, let go of the stress and start enjoying yourself!

Even if the holidays represent a little of each of these things for you, your answers to the two questions above will keep you grounded and in touch with your hearts true longings. It is only when you know what it is you want, that you can create it for yourself.

Receive the magical gift of self-awareness this holiday. It is better than anything you will get wrapped in festive paper. After all, how can you get what you want if you don't even know what that is?

Take a moment to yourself and enjoy the magic of this splendid season!

About the author:

Personal Coach Deirdre McEachern's passion in life is helping her clients achieve their professional dreams. She believes strongly that everyone can create a career and life which they enjoy, expresses their natural talents and leaves them with plenty of time and energy for their relationships. You can contact Deirdre at deirdre@v..., 207-439-4280, or visit her website at www.vip-coaching.com.

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