Motivation Monday ~ 12-12 ~ How Do We Prepare for the Joy of the Holiday Season?

Dec. 12, 2011 - PRLog -- 2011 has been a difficult year for many.  Occupy Wall Street attempted to differentiate between the top 1% of Americans and the other 99% and unemployment stayed at 10%.  The Republican candidates for President in 2012 have been actively trashing President Obama and his administration.  Wall Street, Goldman Sachs and Jon Corzine have been in the news on a regular basis for questionable, if not criminal behavior and yet nobody has gone to jail.  And the financial community, our government and Congress lied to us about the $7.7 trillion that had been given to banks to keep them afloat.  

2011 has indeed been a difficult year and our Motivation Monday columns have continually brought these issues to your attention in order to motivate Americans to “take action to make things happen.”  Empowering people to not be frustrated victims, but rather taking action against things they disagree with.  However, at what point do you find peace from all of the pessimism and negativity?

In preparation for the holiday season what is your mental and emotional mindset.   Many families, parents and couples look at the holiday season with little money to spend on gifts for children and family, which no doubt causes even more stress and anxiety. So, how can we enter the holiday season and enjoy the peace and joy of the holiday?

During these difficult times is when our faith and the simple things in life become so important.  The famous song that says, “the best things in life are free” is true.  Our health, happiness and the love of our friends and family are things that do not “cost” anything and can make a world of difference during these difficult times.  While it seems corny, just ask someone who is alone with nobody.  No family or friends.  

We must make a conscious choice to change our mindset in order to make the holiday season more enjoyable.  For many religions this is a very special time of year.  It provides an opportunity to focus on your faith and spirituality, however, it does not need to be “religious” time, but rather a “spiritual” time.   Prayer, meditation and tranquility can help decrease your level of stress. Take the time to enjoy your faith and spirituality during this holiday season and really connect to the meaning of the holidays.

In addition to faith and spirituality, you can enjoy holiday music to help diminish your stress. There are several holiday songs and themes that I will admit do not help reduce stress and should be avoided at all costs.  However, most holiday music is festive and uplifting.

For many, the holiday season creates high levels of anxiety and depression.  When you feel this way, try to step back and look at the joy of children.  While many argue that we give too much material goods to our kids and Christmas has been “commercialized,” try not to focus on that, but on the pure excitement and enthusiasm and anticipation of our kids.  Focus on the smiles on their faces and the pure happiness and joy of their laughter.

During the holidays, people tend to eat and drink too much.  Certainly, the most important thing is your health and the health of others.  Try to incorporate some walking into your life if you don’t currently exercise.  If you are already “working out,” congratulations, that’s awesome.  During the holidays, try not to skip days and maintain your exercise regimen, but maybe add another 10 minutes on the treadmill or an extra couple of sets of sit ups to keep those extra holiday pounds off.  Also, please, do not drink and drive and try not to drink in excess regardless.  Have a plan.  If you know that you may have a few drinks, try to have either a designated driver or ask your spouse or significant other to not drink.  Believe me, the stress and strain and financial burden of a DWI will only make life more difficult.

Finally, as we go through the holiday season, many folks look forward to the New Year!  A New Year to “start all over again!”  However, for many, without a plan of action or direction or set of goals…next year will be the same as this year and all the previous years that you have not had goals or a direction.  Make 2012 different.  If you are not “insane” then do something different in order to expect a different result.

As you make your way through the holidays think about what would really make your life even better next year.  Most people establish New Year’s resolutions for the New Year, but very few follow through on those resolutions.  January 2nd is National Motivation & Inspiration Day, a day dedicated to helping people establish realistic goals and work toward them, helping us all to “take action to make things happen” and “becoming the very best U that U can be.”  

Even though 2011 has been a very difficult year for many, try to apply some of these suggestions in order to make your holiday season more enjoyable.  In the end America, it’s up to you.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to you all.

About the Author
Kevin L. McCrudden is President of Motivate America, Inc. and Founder of National Motivation & Inspiration Day, which is January 2nd of every year and was passed by The United States Congress after the tragic events of 9-11-2001. Creator of “I Am America Apparel” www.IamAmerica.us  and is also author of “U ~ Who Are U?” where he introduces the most significant addition to Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs in 60 years.  http://www.amazon.com/~-Who-Are-ebook/dp/B004GNFUR0/ref=s...