Attitude of gratitude

During the holiday season, stress can run high, tensions among family members can grow big, and patience can run low. When you feel the stress rising and you're about to snap, take a moment and  breathe deep and say thank you. Having and developing an attitude of gratitude can change your perspective. How do we develop an attitude of gratitude? Take a few moments and either write or say out loud what are you thankful for or who you are thankful for. Again breathe deep, smile and say thank you. 

Hope Is...........

None of us have ever woken up and thought, “I hope I have a terrible day today.” We might expect to have a bad day or worry about having a bad day, but these emotions are not hope. Hope is believing the best for us.

There is a difference between having hope and having a wish. Wishing is an optimistic thought that doesn't require any action; hope is about trusting. Wishing the store will have your favorite flavor of ice cream when you get there is just a thought. Hope is calling ahead, learning it is in stock, then trusting the manager put it aside for you. Our hope is only as valuable as the person or thing in which we place it. 

Reflect:

Who do you place your hope in? Do you have a hard time hoping ? Why or why not?

10 Bucket Fillers for the Holidays from the "bucket lady”- Amy Cole of Life Tree Counseling Center

·       Take time for silence and solitude.  Be alone and embrace the silence and aloneness. In the middle     of the hustle and bustle of the holidays, take a few moments to just be.

 It is more blessed to give than to receive.  Do you remember how much fun it  was opening Santa     gifts from under the tree.  Some families cannot do that. If   you have the time and the extra money, make Christmas for another boy or girl. You may have fun remembering what is was like to wonder  the isles as a kid and look for what toys you wanted on your list to Santa.

 Take time to reflect on all the good things you have accomplished this year. Whether it was a new     job, losing some weight, running a 5k, walking a mile or  learning something new, relish in the fact   you accomplished a task this year.

 When family members disappoint you (and they will) remember they are human  too.  They have their fault just like you do.  Give them some grace. (Grace comes from Latin gratus, which is favor, kindness esteem or pleasing.)

 Also, slow down and do one item at a time instead of multitasking.  Ask for help from others as        needed.  Let the grocery store make the pie, or stuffing or even the whole meal.  

 If you do not have family in the area, get together with friends.  If that is not an option, go serve food to those in homeless shelters.  Giving of yourself helps defeat depression.

  Meditate, read, or listen to good music or books for tape to encourage yourself.

  Do your favorite activity.  Take a walk, photography, writing in a journal, playing sports outside,      playing with children, grandchildren, family members. Playing games with the family.

 “Don’t sweat the little stuff, and it is all little stuff.” Pick and choose what you  get upset over,           remember you control your emotions.  A mantra to use is “will   this matter next year?” or “will this   matter 3 years or 5 years from now?” Chances are you won’t remember anything from last year. 

 Remember the reason for the season. It is to be enjoyed and relished.