Dear Friend:

While the holiday season is a favorite time of year for some, the next thirty-five days can also be incredibly stressful, emotionally-taxing and just plain exhausting for many of us (there is a reason the rates of depression and suicide skyrocket in December and January).

There are two things I’ve found to be really key to helping me have more peace and less stress this time of year—1) approaching the holidays intentionally AND 2) releasing expectations --particularly around my extended family.

INTENTIONAL HOLIDAYS: If you were to set an intention or theme for the holiday season what would it be? What do you most want to experience this time of year? Maybe rest and relaxation (and lots of unscheduled downtime)? Spiritual reflection and renewal? Connection and sharing with close friends? Deeper or more meaningful exchanges with family? Creative expression (whether that’s through making things for others, singing or decorating)? Giving or volunteering to help those in pain or in need? What activities or choices might you make to support this intention? What do you need to let go?

RELEASING EXPECATIONS: What if you showed up at family holiday gatherings (whether you’re hosting the get-together or not) with the idea that this might be the last time you’d ever see your family members? How might you treat them? Do you think some of your expectations might change around how they should treat you, interact with one another or behave at group gatherings? Would your language or tone change while you were together? Would you listen to them more closely? Initiate long over-due conversations? Express your love or gratitude for their presence in your life?

Finally, what can you do to nurture yourself—emotionally and physically—during this period? Check out Sunday’s Austin American-Statesman article by Sarah Lindner on How to Cope with Holiday Stress for a few of my suggestions (you can find more tips from me on the AAS Life Guide web site, too).

January is often one of the most difficult times of the year for me personally (I’m not a cold weather gal).  So, I’m planning some things NOW, to help support me through my least favorite stretch of the year, including lightening my work schedule, making time for a self-renewal retreat and building in time for writing/journaling. Is this a difficult time of year for you, too?

Before you enter the holiday season, think about last year: what worked and what didn’t work? Then, I challenge you to: listen to your needs, say “no” to activities that don’t fuel you, make choices that support your emotional well-being, keep it simple, when in doubt—practice kindness and slow down. You’d be surprised how many people around you will follow your lead.

If you’d like support on creating more balance in your career and/or life during December and into 2008, I encourage you to attend one of the Texas events listed on our calendar. I’d love to see you. Take good care. Warmly, Renee

P.S. I’d be remiss without recommending (in my biased opinion) one of the most thoughtful and meaningful holiday gifts around: The Mother’s Guide to Self-Renewal.   Women at all life stages—whether they’re single and in their twenties, looking for more meaning/connection in their thirties or empty nesters in their fifties—are buying the Guide and embracing the messages of self care, “good is good enough,” and focusing on their emotional well-being. Check out our Holiday Book Specials good through Jan. 7th. We also have many new Personal Renewal Groups launching in January—look for a group near you, or, consider starting a group in your area!

“For peace of mind, we need to resign as general manager of the Universe.” Larry Eisenberg