Holiday Emotions
Tuesday, December 07, 2010
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Cathy Cassani AdamsRecent posts
Practice makes perfect when dealing with kids' emotions - 5/6/2013
The best ways to praise your child for a job well done - 4/15/2013
Be yourself with or without the kids around - 2/26/2013
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People talk about stress in December. Random Facebook posts refer to the holidays as heavy or overwhelming.
I understand; I have felt this, too.
Our choices make it busy, stressful, and full of expectation. We pack in the parties, gift giving, to-do lists, and activities.
But I am wondering if we make it busy because of the emotion. The holidays tend to bring up a lot of feelings.
Sometimes they are emotions we don't want to feel, or a vulnerability that we don't want to experience.
Real emotion can be challenging, but it can be amazing and inspiring, too.
Emotions can be a natural guide to mental and physical health. They allow us to release what we don't need through crying or conversation. They help us pay attention to what is working and what isn't.
And they remind us to be compassionate and patient, especially with ourselves.
During the holidays I find myself more aware, vulnerable, and introspective.
I appreciate the people around me. I miss friends that I don't see very much and I miss people that have passed away.
I tear up when I really listen to the words of a Christmas song, I give hugs more frequently, and I notice the quiet of winter.
I feel deep gratitude, but I feel scared, too. I work on accepting what needs to be accepted.
I am beginning to view the holidays as an annual wake up call, an opportunity to really feel life.
I can't think of a better gift.
Cathy Adams is a certified parenting coach, yoga instructor and mother to three girls.
See more of Cathy's stories here.
Contact Cathy at cathycadams@sbcglobal.com
Christmas ChaosBy shayne adams on Tuesday, November 13, 2012 Thanks Cathy! I totally agree with you. Holidays can bring up a lot of stuff. The awareness that you speak of is inspiring. These intense feelings can trigger us and end up in arguments and resentments sometimes. It's scary to be vulnerable. What I like most is your sentence, "I work on accepting what needs to be accepted." The holidays are a time for quality family time and love. But it's not for wimps! Thanks for the reminder that it's a gift and thanks for the positive spin on an intense array of feelings. |
agreed
By Cathy on Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Thank you Shayne - I agree, it's not for wimps! I find that I enjoy Christmas so much more when I take the pressure off - it doesn't have to look a certain way or feel a certain way, it's just a month with greater opportunities for connection. This helps me enjoy rather than focus on how it "should" be. xo