To be reading this you must be bored at work, Christmas-phobic or desperate for a distraction from the juggernaut of seasonal good cheer crashing around you.

My Christmas Tree

Where does December go exactly? Why does time fly at this time of year? It's like some kind of time bomb countdown of stress and hysteria that wouldn't look out of place in the Hollywood blockbuster The Hurt Locker. 

Personally I adore it and am practically having to sit in the street to watch television my Christmas tree is so humungous and my slightly manic grin so big.

But what many of us do love right now is the suspension of reality and the blessed relief of not having to look at the tough stuff we are tolerating. Life kind of gets put on hold while more "important" stuff like shopping and partying takes precedent; benignly obliterating our worries and woes.

No wonder January painfully slaps us around the face like a cruel but well-intentioned nurse trying to rouse an inebriated tramp.  In December tomorrow really is another day so enjoy it.

I will be back in January with some great new affordable coaching programmes, some special privileges for my existing clients and some new ideas to make 2011 the year you get a new job, write that book, reclaim your confidence and go from ostrich to road runner.

Christmas Thoughts

In the meantime, in case you need it, here are a few Christmas coaching thoughts to keep your home fires burning and the starlight in your eyes. All of them are about letting go, bothering less and enjoying more. 

 

• Manage your expectations.  Quite often our pain is caused by our expectations vs the reality of others or situations.
• You don't have to be all things to all people.  Nor should you try to be.
• It's OK to not be the life and soul.  If you are feeling sad, stressed or just out of it then honour those emotions and take time out.
• Practice radical self care.  Build in treats, space and downtime for yourself first so you can be the best for others thereafter.
• Enjoy responsible deviancy. I'll let you work that one out for yourselves!
• If partner, in-laws, siblings and offspring or any flavour of family and friends make you look and feel like the "before" picture in a plastic surgery advert then remove yourself.  Go somewhere private or go for a walk and make a mental list of all the good things you are going to promise yourself in the New Year.
• There are many hidden ways that our control freak gene manifests itself and this time of year it goes into overdrive as women try to craft a home and family to rival a John Lewis commercial.  Time for a reality check.
• Following on from the previous tip aim for pretty good not perfect.
• Remember too your happiness is 100% your own responsibility.  What other adults do is their own business not yours.
• And finally forgive yourself. You will eat and drink a bit too much, say, do or buy the wrong thing.  Regrets become boulders in the soul.  Learn from them and move on.
• Remember to have fun ( and if you've forgotten book a free session with me now!)