It’s that time of year again. Does it seem to come more quickly with each year, or is it just me? This year I am going to share some tips with you as we are in the final weeks of this year. Honestly though, they can be used all year through.
Tip for today-
1. We can’t change what we don’t know/see/accept – When we view our life from a state of denial, it is impossible to make effective changes for it. When we become mindful and let the awareness of our life come into view the problem solving and changes will be in alignment and effective. Changes may be small and happen over time, but they will be effective.
How does #1 apply to the holidays?
-If you have $500.00 in the bank, your gift and entertainment budget is based on this reality.
-If you know you will be visiting with a difficult relative or friend, prepare for it by only focusing on the most interesting and positive aspect of them as the day grows closer. Imagine your heart sending out love to their heart as the day approaches and when you are with them. Focus your conversation on the most interesting and positive aspects of them. Listen to their heart speak and speak to them with yours.
-If you don’t want to eat too many calories, don’t. Become mindful of your current weight by standing naked in a full length mirror for as long as it takes you to accept how you look at this time. The viewing can take place in small chunks of a minute or two, then close your eyes and see within and clear your negative thoughts, and look at yourself again until you are able to look at yourself non-judgementally but honestly.
It might help you to clear negative self-thoughts by focusing (in your mind’s eye and your heart) on someone you love who loves you back, a person or pet. Focus on how their loving you feels, then transfer that feeling to yourself feeling that way about you in that moment. Loving yourself will override the negative thoughts, and allow the reality of your weight to enter your mind in a way that helps you change your eating habits.
Take that accurate image with you to the grocery store, parties, restaurants and gatherings. Be mindful of what you put into your cart and your mouth. Be mindful of the size of your portions. Be mindful of how your clothes feel on your body. Be mindful of when you feel full. If you don’t have that feeling then, be mindful of when you should feel full by looking at other people around you; if they are done eating, put your fork down. Wait awhile and see if you can become aware of feeling full.
-If you are going to be alone, again, for the holidays and don’t want to be, take action now to find a group of people to be with. Invite people over, or plan to volunteer somewhere to help others, or reconnect with relatives, or attend spiritual/religious services, and if none of this makes sense, go to the movie theater. New movies premier on December 25 for a reason. Tell yourself now that you will not be alone on the day you celebrate your chosen holiday.