FAMILY HOLIDAYS FA LA AHHHHH, GET YOUR GIRAFFE ON!

“Nothing brings out family dysfunction like the holidays,” author, unknown

Home for the holidays may include some landmines; after all, it is your family. Most importantly, they understand your trigger points, head of the class button-pushers. If drama is what the past holidays have been, let’s look at how to avoid the anxiety that may be building.

Like a moving train, you cannot stop the funky family from being who they are. They have gotten away with the same behavior for years; if it causes you to stress, let’s try a different method, it is about you, not them. The question is can you choose how you will react?

If you are walking into a lion’s den, be a giraffe.

Be above what is happening, and don’t react. Go into another room giraffes has sure steps and can see it all moving thoughtfully to avoid the barrage.

Trust me when I say families have their share of drama in one form or another. No escape, but adjust your reaction. Try, “not going to do this now,” or “let’s take this up another time,” or maybe, “Let’s not talk about this now” a new reaction is your family, and you are now a giraffe. We choose where we want to be and who we want to be around. That comes in handy as an adult. We all navigate and negotiate our way around our life, days, and events.
Be where you want to be and feel sound in the process. If you are a giraffe, make sure you find fun in your day and with the people you are around. Life is short; it is what we make and who we make it with. No one can dance better than a giraffe, duh. A giraffe has avoided or postponed all the aforementioned chips, nicks, jabs, and stabs that have come their way.

There can be exciting stories, crazy memories, laughter, games, and traditions. Look to the lighter, better things that your gathering can offer. Life is changing, and whose feet land under the table can also change. Divorce, death, birth, illness, new love, and old love can all show up. Embrace this year in a new way. Why not? Let’s make life full of possibilities.

If you are worried about things, try to change your thoughts to the positive. You can find joy and once those thoughts have shifted to full fledge gratitude, you can truly walk as a giraffe.
My Mantra: “Tis the season of love; make loving choices for yourself.”