![]() |
Holidays Information |
|
|
Happy Holidays? It's Up To You
The Holiday Season. Does time seem to compress, or is it just me? There's so much going on -- the end of autumn, the beginning of winter, and all the holidays that follow. As a child it was an exciting time of year. As an adult, it seems filled with more shopping, baking, parties, and other events than I can squeeze into the available time. In Aikido, the martial art that I practice and teach, we have something called "randori," an exercise in which the student stands alone on the practice mat and as many as five opponents attack simultaneously. Sometimes the holidays feel like this -- which task, event, or relationship do I take on first? The first secret of randori is to handle one attack at a time. I can't let myself become overwhelmed by the enormity of what's out there. I must stay fully present with what's right in front of me. It's hard to do, but it saves time, energy, and wear and tear! Secret #2 is to engage the attack. Though it sounds counterintuitive, welcoming the attack puts me in charge of it. I decide what I want to handle first and move toward it. Planning a family dinner, finding places to stay for the relatives, shopping for holiday gifts, getting the budget report done on time, AND hiring a new administrative assistant -- each task by itself might be doable, even enjoyable, but taken together they seem overwhelming. How to stay balanced and effective? In the midst of life's multiple, simultaneous events: Know that each can be an attack or a gift -- it's up to you. Engage one task at a time. Every time you experience the pressure of "How can I possibly do it all?" -- stop and BE where you are, and give your relaxed presence to the task at hand. Gradually you'll feel in charge of the only things you can be in charge of -- yourself and the present moment. Happy Holidays! © 2004 Judy Ringer, Power & Presence Training You're welcome to reprint this story. If you do, please include this reference: Judy Ringer is a conflict and communication skills trainer, black belt in aikido, and sole owner of Power & Presence Training. For ideas and inspiration on conflict, communication, and creating the life you want, visit us online at http://www.JudyRinger.com/
MORE RESOURCES:
Holidays - Google News |
RELATED ARTICLES
Honoring our Fathers This weekend as we celebrate Father's Day, take an opportunity to express gratitude for the many wonderful fathers we see giving their love, support and guidance to our children on a daily basis.Personally, in my own life, I am surrounded by them. How To Stay Slim During The Holiday Season The majority of people find themselves carrying additional fat once the holidays are over. Worst of all, most of them never lose this extra weight. FIREWORKS--OR, OOH, AAH, How Do They Do That? One of my earliest memories involves a Fourth of July spent at Annandale, Minnesota, sitting on a hill and watching fireworks. Our family had a cabin on Cedar Lake, a mile and a half away, and we had come to the display with a recently emptied ice cream tub filled with popcorn and a thermos of raspberry Kool-Aid. Mothers Day, Do You Know What Youre Giving The Woman Who Gave You Life? Mother's Day, Do you know what you're giving the woman who gave you life? by DeAnna SpencerI decided to deviate from my normal discussion of marketing and advertising to discuss a major gift giving holiday.Mother's day is coming soon. 12 Things That Make Life Worthwhile! Happy New Year! Around the world, this is a time of renewal, celebration of new opportunities, and great optimism. Please accept our best wishes for a year of peace, joy, and success. 10 Steps to a Relaxing Thanksgiving Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday! Family, friends, good food - and no presents to buy. To make it your best holiday ever, consider these organizing tips:? Choose your preferred style: formal with everyone dressed up and using their best manners - or a more informal relaxed style. Cheap Christmas Gift Ideas Now that the biggest shopping season of the year is in full swing it might be a good time to create a holiday budget. I'm sure there are lots of names on your list, but hopefully you can find gifts that won't put a big dent in your pocketbook. Christmas and New Year Celebrations: How Significant? I remember vividly as if it were yesterday when I was only a little boy; I looked forward to Christmas and New Year holidays with an air of relief, satisfaction and relaxation. Relief, because I had the rare chance of putting a pause to the hectic and daily school schedule; satisfaction because it was a time to show off that cloth that 'daddy' bought for me and relaxation because I would go out with my family and friends to have a nice time. How to Create an Irresistible Valentine's Day Centerpiece Valentine's Day is just around the corner which of course makes us think of love, romance and of course flowers! It seems this special day wouldn't be complete without them. Flowers touch our souls and brighten our spirits which is why they have remained a popular choice for "lovebirds" all over the world!Depending on your mood and the flowers you pick, you can make this arrangement whimsical or elegant, so gather what you need and let's get started!Supplies:Store bought heart shaped basket (about 4 inches deep) Florist foam Plastic lining Flowers - at least two varieties Larger flowers (all same color) such as carnations or roses for center and filler flowers for accentFollow these simple steps to create your own Valentine's Day Centerpiece:Line heart shaped basket with heavy plastic Cut a piece of florist foam in the shape of a heart~ foam should fill up entire basket Soak foam in water and place it in the basket Cut center flowers (carnations or roses) the same depth as the basket or slightly longer Stick these flowers into the foam in the shape of a heart~fill with enough flowers so no foam is showing Cut accent flowers to the same length and fill in around the heart shaped flowers until the basket is completely filled and no foam is showing Flowers should be flush with the top of the basket or slightly higherCreate this centerpiece for yourself or make one for someone you care about. Tis The Season I was listening to one of my favorite radio talk programs today. The topic of the hour was "do you feel burdened by Christmas?" Much to my amazement the host, and the majority of his guests, spent the better part of an hour whining and moaning about the burdensome nature of the holiday season. The Perfect Birthday Present for that Little Girl (No Batteries Required) The DilemmaAs a mom of a five-year-old girl, I have attended countless birthday parties in the past few years. With each event, comes the inevitable trip to the toy store to find an appropriate gift for the child of honor. Ill Be Home For Christmas Direct Answers - Column for the week of November 29, 2004I have been married 25 years. We come from completely different backgrounds. A Priceless Birthday Gift Kelly was a very wealthy Hollywood actress, who was used to a posh lifestyle. She lived in a multimillion dollar home in Beverly Hills. Top 25 Thanksgiving Quotations "It is therefore recommended .. The Art of Giving a Toast Today one of my clients is throwing one of her good friends a 40th birthday party. She actually used to date him and now they're good friends. How to Save Money at Christmas Do you know how to save money at Christmas and still have fun? Sounds impossible but it can be done.Everyone assumes that in order to enjoy the festive season one has to throw money at it when in fact the opposite can be true. Surviving Those Holiday Blues Not everyone shares in the celebration and joy associated with the holidays. Many people feel stressed and unhappy in response to the demands of shopping for gifts, spending large amounts of money, attending parties and family gatherings, and entertaining houseguests. Birthday Gift Baskets - The Ideal Gift For Everyone! No matter how old we are, we enjoy being remembered on that special day of the year that celebrates the day we were born! Birthdays are a time to recognize special people in our lives with joyous celebration. It is a time-honored tradition to pay tribute the birthday gal or guy with a mouth-watering cake decorated with sugar-laden frosting sculptures and a candle representing every year of their life on earth! We bestow on them gifts and cards filled with birthday verses and best wishes for many more birthdays to come. Happy New Year for 2005 It is 7:45 a.m. Memorial Day: 3 Ways To Honor American Soldiers The last Monday of May since 1868, has been designated as Memorial Day. Now, during that weekend, beer and picnic supply sales skyrocket. |
| home | index |site map |
| © 2006 |