‘Tis The Season To Be Selfish

Dr. Darlene Treese LPC, LMHC

“Just trust yourself, then you will know how to live”

-Goethe

The holidays are here!! Are you celebrating in joyful anticipation or wishing you could hide in a cave until it’s all over?  When did you lose the sacredness of your “holy-days” in the demands of doing what you think others expect?  We blame the media and merchants for commercializing these times yet seldom accept responsibility for our personal choices.  Indeed, it is a time for outrageous celebrations and good memories will last a lifetime if you are filled with joy and happiness.  But how often are you truly happy and peaceful?  What memories are you creating?  Consider how wonderfully different your holidays will be this year if you choose to be selfish.

 Be selfish with your body:  Why be cranky and tired??

 Get sufficient rest.  Take hot baths with candlelight and soft music.   Avoid fasting then binging.  Take long, slow walks, especially with children.  Look.  Move gracefully.  Skip.  Sing.  Dance without caring what others think.  Smile.  Breathe in all the wonderful sights and smells.  Breathe out kind words to those who are cranky and tired.

Be selfish with your mind:  Why let negative thoughts dominate??

 Look at the abundance of good in your life and feel a sense of gratitude that grows even stronger.  Fill your mind with great memories from the past, recalling the smallest details.  Experience a deeper sense of self love by complimenting yourself on every triumph over tragedy.  Cure what is curable, prevent what is preventable, and enjoy the rest.

Be selfish with your time:  Will rushing add enjoyment to each activity??

Set realistic parameters about what you choose to do.  Allow more time than you think you will need.  Say “No, thanks” to anything that you are doing out of guilt or obligation or to make someone else indebted to you.  Plan something fun to do while you are waiting in line. Do worthwhile things that bring you joy and satisfaction to create more joy and inner peace. 

Be selfish with your money:  Who are you trying to impress??

Decide to cut back on your spending.  Agree to exchange white elephant gifts.  Honor others with donations to charities made in their name.  Tell the kids that there are so many children in the world that Santa is limited to one special gift for each child.  Let them be a Santa’s helper by purchasing a gift for a needy child with their own money.

Be selfish with your world:  What small thing can you do to make it better??

Love your neighbor. Allow for differences of opinions.  Be kind to a newcomer.  Celebrate diversity.  Learn something new about another culture or religion.  Teach tolerance.  Look at the night sky and know we can truly have a silent night, a holy night where all is calm and all is bright when we are selfish enough to love unconditionally.

Dr. Darlene Treese has been in private practice in hypnosis, coaching, counseling and consulting for over 30 years.  She has been internationally acknowledged for her positive action and solution-based therapies and work with corporations.  “A person for the people”, Dr. Dar is always available to help with your questions and dilemmas through office visits, email or telephone consultations.  Call her at 407-278-1598 or visit www.AskDrTreese.com

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