Debunking the Holiday Spirit Myth
Los Angeles California (PRWEB) December 09, 2013 -- For many Americans, the festive season is a wonderful time, but for some, it can be a period of loneliness, a reminder of loss if a loved one has recently passed, and even a frustrating interruption of normal routine.
Dr Dain Heer believes that the Holiday Spirit is a myth, and maintains that the first step to finding true happiness at Christmas is to stop pretending you’re happy if you’re not. The international speaker and author of Being You, Changing the World, says most people believe they are supposed to be happy during the holidays, and therefore don’t speak up when they are feeling unhappy or upset. "People don’t often acknowledge it if life starts feeling heavier at this time of year, because they’ve bought into the myth that holiday time is supposed to be the happy time, and if you’re not happy then there must be something wrong with you."
Studies show that 44% of people who regard Christmas as ‘satisfactory’ also admit to being stressed at this time* and the main problem, according to Heer, is that many of them feel isolated in their discontent. "If you’re one of those people feeling insecure, feeling down, a lot of time it feels like there’s no place to turn. There’s nobody to say, hey you’re not crazy; you’re not the only one," Heer remarks.
To experience true happiness during the holidays, Heer offers the following tips:
1. Don’t buy into other people’s drama: "How much do you allow other people’s lives to get intertwined in yours?" Heer asks. According to Heer, 98% of your thoughts, feelings and emotions are not your own; you are picking them up from the people around you. Ask yourself, "Who does this belong to?" to help you determine the thoughts and feelings that are actually your own.
2. Let others be unhappy if they choose: Heer maintains that happiness is a choice, so you do not need to take responsibility for others’ unhappiness. "If others are unhappy, it’s not your job to change it", Heer explains. "It’s your job to be happy; to show them that there are other choices available, if and when they want a different choice."
3. It’s ok to be different: There is a lot of pressure at holiday time to get along with family members and other individuals, but Heer believes that, instead of conforming to appease people, it is better to acknowledge and celebrate what is different about you. "What if your difference is the greatness about you; is what can make valuable change in the world?" Heer suggests. To embrace your difference, ask yourself, "What is different about me that is wonderful about me?"
*What makes for a Merry Christmas? (2002), Tim Kasser and Kennon Sheldon, Knox University (Illinois)
About Dr. Dain Heer
Dr. Dain Heer is an internationally acclaimed speaker and human behaviour thought leader. Dain travels the world, coaching audiences and facilitating classes that teach people to access their own awareness and knowing, empowering them to become their own advocate. Dr. Heer is an expert source to consider, as he’s changing lives with his high-energy, no-nonsense approach to better living. He is also the author of nine books on the topics of embodiment, healing, money and relationships. His story and teachings are captured in his latest book, ‘Being You, Changing the World,’ which has been translated into Swedish, German, Spanish, Italian and Estonian.
For more information, visit http://www.drdainheer.com.
Imogen Ball, Justine Mckell Media, +1 (805) 319-4862, [email protected]
Share this article