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The Key To Stress-Less Holidays
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by Debbie Milam
TheSyndicatedNews columnist
Debbie Milam is a syndicated columnist for United Press International, an occupational therapist, family success consultant, and motivational speaker with more than 20 years experience. Her work on stress management, spirituality, parenting, and special-needs children has been featured in over 300 media outlets including First for Women, The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, The Hallmark Channel, PBS and WebMD.
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What things can you do this holiday season and throughout the year to de-stress and bring more joy into your life and the lives of your children?
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Although. the holiday season for many is a time of great stress, it can also be a powerful time of reconnection, to ourselves and our loved ones. This reconnection is most meaningful when we give ourselves permission to rest, savior the blessings in our lives and enjoy the company of others.
This weekend as I gathered with 52 immediate family members, my husband is one of ten, I was able to reconnect with each sister and brother in law, and all 28 nieces and nephews. We spent the weekend catching up on each other’s triumphs and tragedies. Each with a personal story, each with a drama enfolding in their lives. But what was even louder than the drama and trauma that was being shared was the sound of laughter and resonant echoes of joy. Each of us there to support and uplift one another. It was miraculous to witness the amount of love that filled the room.
I know my husband, children and I are truly blessed to have the support and love of so many. I know it is a rare gift to have a family that is truly connected. Our family has always been a bright light of hope in our lives. For those of you who are facing challenges this holiday season, who do not have the support of family, you can still connect to the light of hope and possibilities. By choosing to align with the light, you release yourself from suffering in the darkness. So as the holiday stress and the drama of life begin to overwhelm you, remember these simple remedies to soothe and comfort you and your children.
When you feel lonely, reach out to another
When you see or feel suffering, pray.
When you hear or experience poverty, give.
When you feel anxious, breathe.
When you experience conflict, love.
When you lose hope, count your blessings.
When you feel weak, rest.
When you feel despair, seek out beauty.
When you feel sad, cry.
When you feel confused, meditate.
When you feel overwhelmed, let go.
Whatever it is that you are experiencing just have faith that within the challenge lies the seed of hope is waiting to blossom. May this holiday season and upcoming year bring you and your children abundant blessings of health, light, love and joy.
Published: Oct 10,2008 08:05
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Andy Cowan
Andy Cowan, an award-winning writer, whose credits include Cheers and Seinfeld, regularly contributes humor pieces to the Los Angeles Times and the CBS Jack FM Radio Network.
Paul M. J. Suchecki
Paul M. J. Suchecki has more than 30 years of experience as an award winning writer, producer, and cameraman. He's written numerous newspaper and magazine articles. Currently he writes, produces and shoots for LA CityView Channel 35 and his more than 250 articles for Ehow.com are approaching half a million readers.
Coby Kindles
Coby Kindles is a freelance journalist, screenplay writer and essayist. She has been a staff writer at Knight Ridder and a regular contributor to The Associated Press.
Debbie Milam
Debbie Milam is a syndicated columnist for United Press International, an occupational therapist, family success consultant, and motivational speaker with more than 20 years experience. Her work on stress management, spirituality, parenting, and special-needs children has been featured in over 300 media outlets including First for Women, The Miami Herald, Elle, Ladies Home Journal, The Hallmark Channel, PBS and WebMD.
Dan Rafter
Dan Rafter has covered the residential real estate industry for more than 15 years. He has contributed real estate stories to the Washington Post, Chicago Tribune, Business 2.0 Magazine, Home Magazine, Smart HomeOwner Magazine and many others.
Jack Nargundkar
Jack Nargundkar has been repeatedly published in Business Week, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, and The New York Times. He is also an author of "The Bush Diaries" published in July 2005.
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