Contributed BY HELEN FLYNN, REALTOR® AND SRES® WITH THE ERIC STEWART GROUP
As we move through this holiday season, many of us may be experiencing life changes or losses that make this time of year difficult. Helen Flynn, Realtor® with the Eric Stewart Group, has put together these tips for coping with the holidays especially for our readers.
1. Assess your physical, emotional, and spiritual needs and desires.
Plan accordingly ahead of time what you will do and not do.2. Evaluate what is most important for you.
It may be family-centered. You may be the host and planner for extended family, or you may be the one traveling.Are you really able to do the cooking, lodging, etc, or is it time to let someone else do it?
Is traveling right for your family this year or do you need to stay home and begin new traditions?
Do you need a quiet, low-key time of reflection and healing? Allow that for yourself.
3. Meaning.
Take the time to be present and conscious of the holiday; to be grateful; to worship; to give.4. Be honest about your needs.
If you are mourning the loss of a loved one, a job, a home; grieve accordingly.5. Just because you have always done it doesn't mean you have to do it this year.
You may be in a particularly demanding job or home situation and adding more demands will seriously stress you, then don't do the things you've always done. You may be experiencing health issues that suggest curtailing some activities, curtail them. We can get caught up in doing more and more each year. It may be time this year to take a step back.
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6. Realize that some things are beyond your control.
No matter how hard you try, you or someone you love may be disappointed or hurt during that time. Life events continue every day.
7. Reach out to those less fortunate.
At the end of the day, this will bring the most satisfaction. Plan ahead what and how you will do reach out.
Finally, I would like to share a poem with you that is particularly meaningful to me.
For yesterday is but a dream and tomorrow is only a vision,
But today, well lived, makes every yesterday a dream of happiness,
And every tomorrow a vision of hope,
Look well, therefore, to this day.
- Sanskrit Proverb
If you'd like to hear more from Helen Flynn, consider reaching out to her directly at Helen@EricStewartGroup.com or (703) 328-7187. You can download a copy of our Rightsizing Guide by clicking the link below - a guide to help you de-clutter your life.
