I realize the holiday season is a most difficult time for many folks. I don't mean to imply that's the case for me personally to any great degree. Well, only to a wee extent in that I can become a smidge bit filled with tension (and stress) if I don't consciously work to overcome letting that old bugaboo feeling creep in and overtake my emotional well-being.
The following are a few sayings I've clipped out over the years and try to keep in mind every day.
~ Stress is like an ice cream cone. You have to learn to lick it. (Ho-ho.)
~ A happy home is not one without problems, but one that handles them with understanding and love.
~ If you want to be the picture of health, make sure you have a happy frame of mind. (Oh my, yes, my emotions can play such a prominent part in my physical health.)
~ A good way to start each day is with your face and your eggs sunny side up. (Another "ho-ho" moment.)
Even if I'm feeling a bit under the weather or have a pain here or there that keeps making itself known, I've found that if I remember to use my long ago very amateur thespian skills and act cheerful, upbeat and happy, not only does it produce smiles and a better attitude in those I'm around but it also changes my own disposition in the same way. It really does work. Kind of like "fake it until you make it."
So if you feel the need, paste a wide grin on your face and, if nothing else, everyone will wonder what you've been putting in your eggnog.
18 comments:
Amen. Merry Christmas.
Sue - This Christmas will be hard for you without your dear sister, but I'm hoping all of your wonderful memories will make it a little easier. Sending my warmest wishes to you and yours for this holiday season. Hugs!
I have lost everyone in my family. My brother and I are left. My son died My nephew died, My, father then my mother. My sister died shortly after my Ma. It is so sad but I got my hubby and my other children, we get by but eggnog is an old stand by with a quick punch.
Anonymous was S Dorries.
Yes agreed! I think a positive attitude is huge. I canf stand being around negative, rude folks.
Anonymous/Suzanne - This time of year can't help but bring back thoughts of everyone we've lost, can it. My folks are both gone now but I remember the first Christmas after my dad was gone. Mom had been so very strong, but she broke down at Christmas time. If possible, we have to put all the emphasis we can on all the good memories of those who aren't with us during the holidays. Plus, I don't think there's anything wrong with putting a "quick punch" in your eggnog to help the smiles be present!
Nancy - Can anyone ever find anything helpful about being negative? And being rude is just not an option to accept, as far as I'm concerned. Let's all strive for that positive attitude. Finding something to laugh about is good, too!
Many wonderful sayings. Thanks for sharing. A very peaceful and joy-filled holiday to you.
Retired Knitter - You're welcome and warm holiday wishes back at you!
Mama Pea, that's so true about attitude and stress. It's especially hard for folks who are missing loved ones around the holidays. Hugs to all!
A very timely post, Mama Pea. I have managed to skirt the holiday stress by dealing with stress in every other aspect of my life. (snort) It is not that difficult to focus on being positive - and it makes you feel so much better than the alternative. A big hug to you and the rest of the Pea family. I think of you so often xo
Oh, wise woman! You are so right. Particularly the last two paragraphs, minus the eggnog addition, or I'd not get anything done! (A lovely few inches of fresh snow helps the mood as well!)
Leigh - Yes, and especially so when we lose someone right about holiday time. One can't help but associate the loss with the particular holiday. There are lots of little stresses people are having to deal with these days and they seem to be piling up. (How can they not?) It's not easy to remain positive, but the alternative is just not a good choice.
Susan - Using humor as you just did and do so regularly is another way to stay positive . . . and make others smile. You're a gem! Don't ever lose your way of dealing with stress. It does all of us good! Thinking of you, too, you know.
Rosalea - Or perhaps with the eggnog addition, you'd not even realize what you weren't getting done! That would be one way to stay up and chirky. ;o)
We are only exchanging a few handmade gifts this year, and have done zero baking. We are just looking at a meal and quality time. The only stress I have is worrying about my ankle healing.
Kristina - For as busy a homemaker as you are, being limited in your mobility is a true handicap any time but prior to the holidays makes it especially so. Planning to make activities as easy and calm as possible will help you heal. Others will have to step up to the plate to make this happen. It can be the best gift to you this year!
Good pep talk for everyone, Mama Pea. My husband tends to be the morose one; nothing present ever seems to measure up to events past (as in his childhood). Make the most of TODAY, I saw!
Michelle - I know for myself, in regard to the holidays, they do seem they were "better" when I was a child. (But that's probably natural for most people.) As far as one's life today as an adult . . . well, if you're unsatisfied with your life there's only one solution. Find a way to change it! No one but one's self can or is responsible to do it. It's not easy, to say the least, because of ingrained habits and ruts we've fallen into, that's for sure. But why give the years you have left over to negativity and basic unhappiness? (Okay, I'm taking off my Dr. Freud hat and readily admitting I'm no expert here.) ;o)
You're preachin' to the choir here, Mama Pea!
Perfect Mama Pea! 🍹🍹 Cheers!
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