Be Merry and Bright

December 2012

Monthly Newsletter

Forgive, Let Go, and Reconnect

During the holidays, we often reflect back on our lives--grateful the bad times are behind us and hopeful for more good times in the new year--and sometimes we remember fallings out with loved ones or those we've simply lost touch with.  This time of year is perfect to forgive people who have wronged us and reach out to old friends, if for no other reason than to say, "I was thinking about you and wanted to wish you all the best this holiday season and a Happy New Year."

When it comes to forgiveness, let's be clear about one thing, it's for you alone and not for the person that wronged you.  By forgiving, you are not saying, "It's okay that you hurt me."  It's letting go of resentment and anger so that you can move forward in your life, as this Mayo Clinic article explains.  You will release stress and anxiety by doing this, making you more relaxed and happier.  As with anything, this is something that can take time and practice, after all, if it were easy, we would open ourselves up to repeated exploitation.  Hanging on to the anger is a form of protection, but you can let go of it, if you remember what you learned from the situation, preventing a reoccurrence.

WebMD's article, Forgive and Forget, focuses on how to forgive.  One way, is to use a technique called REACH (Recall, Empathize, Altruistic, Commit, Hold), developed by Everett L. Worthington Jr., Ph.D., a professor of psychology at Virginia Commonwealth University.  The five steps are a good place to start if you need a little guidance.  The article also discusses when it's okay not to forgive and how to move past vengeful feelings, since those will damage your well being. 

Perhaps the main reason we forgive someone, is because we want that person to remain in our lives, but what if the person you need to forgive is yourself? Learning to forgive yourself, can be decidedly harder to do since we are tougher on ourselves, though the effects on our health are no different than holding a grudge towards another person and as with, the benefits of letting it go.  The key for us is specificity, as this WebMD article defines, so we don't forgive ourselves for the wrong things, like being who we are.

Maybe you've already forgiven someone in your past or simply lost touch with them, but don't know how to start looking for them.  This simple eHow guide will help you do that and with what happens when you are reconnected.  For instance, your old friend might need time to process the idea of having you in their life again, so take it slowly.  You'll be able to tell what to do by their reaction, just be proud of yourself for taking the first step.  You never know, rekindling past relationships could make your holidays amazing!

Time to Recover with T.L.C.FIT!

Finding the Perfect Gifts

We all have those people in our lives who are difficult to shop for or that we don't know well enough to buy something meaningful, so we grab the nearest generic item that's on sale and call it good.  This year, you can get those people something they'll appreciate and not break your budget.  For someone you know, consider making a gift basket around their hobby, favorite activity, or even favorite color, food, or superhero.  For example, if your brother loves running, you could buy him a PFR gift certificate, so he can try our T.L.C.FIT class.  Add to it: a yoga mat, straps, and blocks, because good flexibility is key to injury prevention.   If you don't know your recipients well, then here is a list of 100 gifts for under $10.  Hopefully, something will work or spark an idea for what will.

If you don't take our pole classes, but are friends with or have a family member that does, here are some items that make up a perfect pole dancer's basket:

PFR gift certificate, grip aid, arnica gel, water bottle, protein bars or shakes, ultra absorbent towel, mini tripod (for filming themselves of course), booty shorts, and a coupon for a massage.  And you can never go wrong with gift certificates for tunes and shoes! 

Just remember, you don't have to spend a lot to show that you put thought into your gifts and that's what truly counts.  Happy shopping!

Holiday Slideshow: Dr. Oz's 12 Days of Christmas

Enjoy the holidays without paying for it in the New Year. Navigate the stresses of holiday shopping, a house full of company, and the over-eating and drinking of the...Read more... 

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Madison Hts MI, 48071

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