by Michael Maholchic
On the eve of the holiday season, the Milton Rotary Club received the insights of Jen Erbe Leggett, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with The Leggett Group in Roslindale on November 12. Her advice was to follow these five tips and get more out of our holidays by approaching them mindfully.
- Approach each moment fully present.
The holidays are full of lists and ideals—pictures of how we want things to look and how we want them to go. It’s so easy to get ahead of ourselves with anticipation, or lag in the past thinking about past holiday times that weren’t ideal. Try this: the only thing you can really have influence on is the present—the right now. Breathe, ground yourself, and appreciate what is right in front of you!
- Be realistic about your expectations.
Needing to get everything done on an unrealistic list sets you up for disappointment, and for not being able to be fully present to what you are doing. Try this: sit down with your family, ask them what is truly important for them to do this season, add your favorites, and let go of the rest. This is a great time to think about quality, and not quantity!
- Be gentle in your interactions with family.
Time with extended family can be wonderful, but sometimes full of stress. Try to detach from what you expect of that time, and acknowledge that this might not be the right time to discuss heavy family matters. A simple focus may be much more enjoyable!
- Start each day with a special focus on your own self-care.
Now more than ever. What about a daily morning meditation? A daily hot bath? This is a great time to make sure you are taking great care of yourself: eating well, getting enough activity, reducing mindless avoidance activities, watching your sugar and alcohol intake, and getting enough sleep. Also, make sure you have time with the folks who truly bring you joy, not just those you feel you should see during the holidays!
- Be grateful!
An attitude of gratitude can bring so much to your holidays. Practice this as often as possible, and let it ground you in the things you do have in your life for which you are thankful. Focusing on the positive, rather than the negative, can make all of the difference!
The Milton Rotary Club wishes you a wonderful holiday season—full of the knowledge that the gifts you give yourself such as these may be the most meaningful of all. We could not mention gifts without expressing our gratitude for those who donated in memory of a loved one for our annual Holiday Tree, so we can continue our projects to benefit the young and old both near and far. We will be meeting at the Town Gazebo at 7 PM on Friday, December 5, 2014 to light the Tree, read the names of those being remembered, and sing some holiday songs. There will be some hot cider and cookies…and just possibly a visit from Santa Claus!