Communicate + Allow
Getting intentional and making a plan was what I did for myself. Here’s what I did with my others…
I communicated a little bit about how I would be doing things differently.
I planted seeds before I arrived about needing to make sure I got in walks and how I would be taking some time in the mornings to get work done and catch up on life before we started our days together. Offering these simple "preminders" and then re-iterating my intentions upon arrival really helped a lot.
In addition to that,
I had to allow others to feel what they feel.
I feared disappointing everyone. I had this story in my head that my family doesn’t see me very much and I would be hurting their feelings if I wasn't spending every waking minute with them while I was there. That's the main reason this all felt so edgy. I felt like I would be disappointing them if I took the time to care for myself. And yet, me being with them all cranky because I was needing some space, and didn't take it, wasn't serving any of us.
Managing expectations up front is always a good idea. And, being conscious of letting everyone feel what they feel -- not expecting it but not being surprised by it -- made a huge difference in how things unfolded.
How about you?
What are things you would like your people (spouse, kids, relatives, etc.) to know before you head into the holiday festivities?
When your people have emotions swirling, how can you allow whatever they’re feeling?
JOIN ME!
Saturday Slow Down - Steady Through the Holidays
Available On Demand Now
Give yourself 3 hours to pause, write and hear yourself so you can gain clarity about what lies ahead and set some clear intentions for how you want to move through the holidays.