In a recent conversation, a friend of mine said she doesn’t really enjoy the holiday season anymore. After her parents passed, she felt alone. The holidays had become a reminder of what she didn’t have anymore. She felt numb and not truly joyful. We continued talking and I asked her, “What is something you could gift yourself with?” She paused and said there wasn’t anything she needed. I asked her, “What if you could gift yourself with happiness?” She laughed and said that’s probably not going to be in her stocking this year. She has three children and her holiday season will be all about them, she will just “get through” another season, put on a smile for her children, and be glad for January.
I have thought about this conversation many times. I’ve heard similar sentiments as I work with clients who are just “getting through” life. I am so committed to helping people discover that there are ways to shift this thinking to improve their lives.
So, I wrote my friend this E-mail:
“Dear Friend,
I’m curious about something. Would you consider gifting yourself with more happiness and well being? What if you could learn tools to reduce your anxious thoughts, quiet down the inner critic and spend more time feeling positive about your life? Would you gift yourself with it?”
Her reply: “No brainer, tell me more.”
My friend is now enrolled in my 8- week Positive Intelligence program and already feeling the impact by finding small gifts and opportunities to feeling more joy, and enjoying the season for herself.
Here’s what I have discovered: life will always throw us challenges, and we get to choose how we want to respond to them. I was personally gifted with this life-changing work called Positive Intelligence about three years ago during the COVID shutdown. It’s re-shaped my life and my work. I’ve learned how to quiet my restless mind, so that I can be present to focus on the important relationships in my life and make meaningful contributions in the world.
If you are looking for something special this season, GIFT YOURSELF or someone you know with true happiness. You can contact me, put 30 minutes on my calendar to discuss how or learn more about how you can move from anxiety to enjoyment.
I’m starting new session in January for parents!
