The Holiday Clutter, Stress, Pressure is Building ... Reframe It
Escape the holiday pressure with this exercise for friends and family. Inspire those you love to think of their holidays in a different way.
Chicago, IL (PRWEB) December 15, 2005 -- Of the 72 people surveyed, 68 of them said they just dreaded the holiday season this year, and couldn’t wait for it to be over. There is so much to be done. Those who are lonely are even lonelier. Those who are concerned about their finances are stressed. The noise and clutter is deafening. Why?
*Materialism is a way of life in this world of instant gratification. We are so focused on the bottom line, and determined to get the ‘things’ we want, that we forget to focus on what is really important: our families and friends. Wants become needs before we know it.
*Time has become our enemy. We try to do too much too fast and don’t have time to look around and appreciate the moments. Suddenly time has passed and we don’t know where it all went.
*We compete in a win or lose world, where winning is everything and losing is not tolerated. We are so busy competing that we forget to pay attention to just playing the game.
*Our lives are full of noise and clutter. We can hardly hear ourselves think because we are being bombarded by technology, audio and video stimulation constantly.
This holiday season could be different.
Try this exercise and you will see the focus change, your heart enlarge, and your spirit soar. You will find the joy that is possible only when you give to others, unconditionally. As you experience the Christmas and Hanukah season in the spirit of giving, you will find the noise cease and moments will become more precious. Only then will you discover true joy in your humanity: by connecting to family, friends, and strangers you may never even know.
A life changing exercise
Ten to 4 days before the holidays, tell your family members and/or friends that they must do as many acts of kindness for others as the possibly can. Then write down descriptions of what you did, what you noticed and how you felt. At your holiday dinner have everyone report on their experiences, discuss them and how they affected you.
Here are the rules:
*SSSHHHH….Do this by yourself, and keep it to yourself until time to report to your group.
*Giving unconditionally means that you expect no recognition in return.
*This exercise is about giving of yourself, not just your money (although that will work too).
*This exercise requires a little creative thinking. Look around and notice what is going on around you an just imagine new ways to help
*This can be a simple act. Sometimes the simplest things can be the most meaningful
Examples:
Help someone cross a street, help a little girl tie her shoes, give a hamburger to a homeless person, smile at a sad looking stranger, volunteer to push someone in a wheelchair, help someone who is looking for something in a store, pay the toll for the person in line behind you.
Cheryl Perlitz is a mountain climber, survival expert and author of Soaring Through Setbacks…Rise Above Adversity and Reclaim your Life. She lost her husband, and both parents, her house, her beloved dogs, her cars, and her business. She was robbed, sued, audited by the IRS and then had a stranger die sitting next to her in the movie theater -- all of this in a 4 month period. She faced the holiday season alone suddenly and now inspires others to rebuild their lives after loss and major change.
Cheryl Perlitz is the author of the inspirational book "Soaring Through Setbacks - Rise above adversity -- Reclaim your life" and the upcoming “Soaring through Setbacks...Survival Tips Handbook’ As a dynamic speaker and facilitator, her inspiring, fun and motivational stories help listeners and readers to "transform their mountains into opportunities for adventure and positive change."
Cheryl is not a therapist, or medical doctor. She does not have a PHD or an advanced degree in psychological theory. She is a regular person, like most of us. She is a sought after talk show guest because of her easy casual style, her ability to tell wonderful stories that the listeners and readers can relate to, and her understanding and compassion for others.
If you would like to hear more about this topic, and/or more detailed SURVIVAL TIPS for surviving the holidays contact Cheryl Perlitz:
To book an interview call:
847-510-5919 cell 847-609-8032
Cheryl is available for last minute interviews
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