How to stay peaceful during the holiday season.

The title of this blog post just popped into my head, on a day when I am not feeling particularly content, which tells me that a) I am relying on my own will and b) God always has a better plan in mind. I am going to write this blog to feel at peace. I know it.

The holiday season can be super triggering for people (myself included) It is packed with social gatherings, food, alcohol, sugar, shopping, you name it, it's around - any sort of stimulus that you can think of is present over the holiday season. The holidays are like life on steroids. I have never been someone who absolutely loves Christmas time, I've tried, but it just isn't authentic for me. To be honest, I find it to be rather exhausting. I am however, still very grateful for the opportunity to give and receive Love.

To remain peaceful around the holidays I believe that first and foremost it is important to remember why you are actually celebrating. Whether you celebrate Christmas, Hanukkah, or any other cultural or religious holiday, what does it mean for you? For me, this time of year it is to celebrate the birth of Jesus, and his teachings of Love, kindness, compassion, faith and trust, just to name a few. It is a time to celebrate Love.

When I ground myself and remember my reasons, I am filled with joy and the desire to share that joy and love with my family and friends. It is particularly beneficial to step up my daily prayer and meditation practice when times are crazy busy and the holiday seasons seems overwhelming. Taking a few silent moments to yourself to connect with your Higher Power during family gatherings, or even if you're feeling lonely at home, will remind you that the Power of Love is within you and your Soul always knows what to do moving forward.

Lesson 48 from 'A Course in Miracles' teaches that 'there is nothing to fear' and tells us, as I stated above, that when fear is present, it is a sure sign that you are trusting in your own strength. If we can bring ourselves back to this awareness, it allows room for us to acknowledge God and let His strength take the place of our weakness.

When I get to this place of connectivity, I find it much easier to suit up and show up and to do the other things I need to do to ensure that I am taking the best care of myself that I possibly can during this time of year.

Which brings me to my next point, how we treat our bodies.

Gabrielle Bernstein shared a story in her "Finally Full" course about how she was at a party and cupcakes were being passed around, she politely declined and people were very confused as to why she wasn't eating a delicious cupcake. She simply stated that she loves herself too much to eat the cupcake. This really resonated with me. I believe that when we cultivate self-love and nurture our spiritual connection, it is harder and harder to justify eating things that we know are not the best for us. As someone who has struggled with eating issues all my life, I am finally at a place where I understand what it means to love myself too much to ingest food that is not good for my physical or emotional well being (side note: be kind yet unapologetic when people try to convince you to eat something you know you do not want to eat) Nourishing your body with foods that feel right for you during this time of year is a key factor to your peace of mind.

It is also so important to get enough rest. In terms of sleep and downtime. Sleep is a spiritual practice. I cannot stress that enough! When I am over tired (like I am today) it is easy for my brain to take fear and run with it, it is also easier to eat like shit! So it really is essential to make sure you prioritize sleep this holiday season. (and I vow to take my own advice!!)

I think it all boils down to being mindful and loving this holiday season, slow down to enjoy the moments with family and friends and remain present. Remembering who you are and the reason for the celebration. I am so grateful for the opportunity to share my thoughts with you, and I encourage you to take what resonates from this blog post and leave the rest :)

How are you planning on staying peaceful this holiday season? I would love to hear!!

Sending you all tons of love and light during this special time of year.

Blessings,

Kylie