Yup, it’s true, I’m telling you to let loose a little. Being healthy (both inside and out) is a balance of all things, from food to stress to relationships to work and all things inbetween.
- Does your life revolve around only eating certain foods?
- Are you obsessed with working out? Or the way you look? Or keeping a tidy home?
- Do your holiday decorations have to be put up in an exact way?
- Did you just ‘fix’ the roof on someone else’s gingerbread house?
- Do you feel your kids/husband/wives/friends should act a certain way?
- Do you put your own needs last to help portray how people view you?
- Do you need to be in control of everything?
If any of these describe you- it may be time to let go. Letting go doesn’t mean you are giving up, quite the opposite really. It’s a way of taking control of your actions and feelings to ensure they are not taking control of you.
Think about it this way- when we try to overcontrol any situation (be it food, relationship, family, etc) we give up important qualities like freedom, creativity, peace, joy and energy. And sometimes those qualities aren’t just ours that we are giving up, it might belong to those around you.
I’m not suggesting you abandon everything and eat an entire tray of cookies by yourself in one sitting. Nor am I suggesting you let your kids have full control of every decision they ever make. But I am suggesting finding a happy medium; a little balance. Life is stressful by nature and the holiday season doesn’t make it any easier; but much of that is our own doing.
Stop and think about what you could let go of? Maybe it’s just one thing- like letting the kids (or the S.O.) decorate the tree and not getting mad if the lights aren’t ‘just right’ or if each ornament isn’t hanging perfectly. Refrain yourself from ‘adjusting’ those ornaments. Instead, reframe your thinking. Perhaps take a photo to help you see their creativity. It may not be how you would do it, but notice how accomplished they feel when you show how proud you are rather than when you go change their work.
Here’s a few thoughts to help get you started on letting go:
- Ask yourself– “what will I really lose if I relinquish control of this situation?” If you are being truly honest, you might be surprised at your answer.
- Try stepping away from the situation for a few minutes. Literally step into another room and take a few really deep breaths.
- Listen to your body. When we become in tune with our intuition, we gain valuable insight to what our bodies what. Maybe it really wants that second helping of christmas pudding, or maybe it’s really just yearning for a bit of self love.
- Just let go. Just once. Stand back and observe what happens. Did the sky fall? Did the sun forget to rise without your help? Or did you notice a little spaciousness within yourself? Perhaps you saw others around you have a bit more fun or exhibit more creativity?
Is it time for you let loose a little? Go for it, then reflect on how that made a difference in your day and in the those around you. Where can you go from there?
And remember, really take time to enjoy life around you, not the material side of the holidays. We don’t do enough of this.
Happy Holidays,
~Monique