ACCEPT FLAWS
We tend to set the bar high for ourselves during the holiday season, especially during the preparation stage for the holiday reunion. This is an uncommon situation that we get ourselves into, then feel upset when the outcome does not live up to our expectations.
Even before you begin your planning or preparation, the best thing to do is to acknowledge that things may not go as planned, and IT’S OKAY if it won’t turn out to be how we imagined it to be. A Flaw or imperfection is good and normal. Maybe it’s just life’s way of telling us that we need a little more practice.
DON’T GET LOST IN THE PREPARATION AND LOSE SIGHT OF WHAT MATTERS
Of course, during holidays, we can expect long lines at the stores and nasty traffics here and there. And truth be told, getting caught in these situations can be overwhelming. But when you start to feel engulfed with stressful mood, ask yourself the following:
- What am I going to get out of this? Say you’re starting to get frustrated because you’re in the middle of a slow-moving, long grocery line; remember that it’s just a long queue, nothing more. And focus on getting your grocery items scanned through and paid for, and that’s it! Don’t let it spoil your day, and think about your excitement cooking this new dish that you’ve always wanted to try when you get home.
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What can I do instead of being frustrated at this moment? Well, aside from thinking about that yummy dish that you can’t wait to cook at home this evening, you can also use this opportunity to count the good things that have happened today or the things that you are most grateful for. Or, if you don’t feel like counting all your good things for today, you may want to double-check your grocery list and make sure you got everything in your shopping cart.
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How can I make this frustrating situation pleasant? Simple! Connect with someone else in line with a compliment or kind gesture, or notice what’s around you with fresh eyes and an open mind. Maybe the latest Vogue magazine is displayed right next to you with your favorite model as cover. We bet that should somehow ease your frustration for a minute there.