Attitude key to getting through holidays

The last holiday season of this century is rapidly approaching. The year 2000 will present many opportunities and challenges including:

• The Y2K unknown – will this be a major problem for many of us or instead, simply a few small frustrations and annoyances?
• A continuation of rapidly developing technological changes.
• An explosion in knowledge related to longevity. Life enhancers and extenders are becoming available at a pace considered impossible only a few years ago.
• Opportunities for new business development due to global networks that are increasing rapidly.

How will you deal with the last holiday season of this century? Why not start thinking about the healthy set of choices now with the beginning of the holiday season?

• Decide now what you want to happen during the holiday season. Choices and options are available for those who decide to set goals. For example, budget’s can be set, exercise routines can be established, social events and times spent with relatives and friends can be planned ahead. Opportunities to serve others and exercise our faith can be put in place at the beginning of the holiday season.

• Prepare to deal with feelings of grief and loss if some significant loss from the past tends to emerge in your consciousness at this time of year. Don’t try to deny or repress the need to let grief have a place in your life but don’t let it be the predominant theme.

• Plan the ways now that you will tell your family by word and deed, how important they are to you and how much you appreciate them. Give yourself periodic reminders during the holiday season to strengthen relationships as your children and grandchildren will remember this part of the holiday season much more than gifts when they are older.

• Plan ahead for some unexpected situations to occur and vow to be flexible when they arise. Set aside a little extra money for that unplanned on gift, don’t expect all family gatherings to be “picture perfect” but instead recognize that a few tense situations and old wounds may arise. Vow to let empathy, understanding and love override any tendencies you may have to respond in a negative manner.

• Take care of yourself by getting the sleep, exercise and nutrition you require. Prepare to leap into the new century with an optimistic and healthy attitude.

Harold H. LeCrone, Jr., Ph.D. Copyright 1999