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Each month a new inspirational,
spiritual, or educational article by Alice McCall is posted.
If
you would like to read past articles,
please follow this link.
November 2007
Be Authentic This Holiday Season!
We all do it – we want others to like us, to think highly of
us. We worry about what others will think if we choose a career that
is unusual, or decide not to follow traditions at holiday time.
We put focus on others, their opinion’s and search for
acceptance, which often takes us down a path of unhappiness. It
could also lead us to stay in a job that gives us no joy, do an
activity we dislike, spend time with people who don’t genuinely care
about us, or even have a separate secret life that is only shared
with a few accepting souls.
In the larger scheme, this focus
can take us away from knowing, experiencing and joyfully expressing
our own true authentic self.
I read an article last year
about a group of people that were fed up with the overkill, over
stress, and over expectations of Christmas. A small group of friends
gave personal meaning to the holiday by spending it with people that
they truly cared about, and in return truly care about them. Each
was tired of the excessive spending and the commercialism that
dominated the holiday season. They were tired of spending time with
negative people, giving them gifts, and pretending to be happy; when
they hardly spoke to them during the year. Most found themselves
doing this out of a feeling of duty for family.
This group
of 4 families, couples and their children, decided to be bold and
courageous by spending Christmas day with each other. This
non-traditional holiday unit enjoyed a day of laughter, playing
games, eating simple foods, and freely gave the gifts of attention
and love.
My initial thought was how brave, as I knew there
was probably a lot of guilt from their families. Then I thought, how
freeing to do exactly what feels right for them, especially at
holiday time!
I ask you, how much more joyful could each of
your lives be if you stopped making time for unhealthy negative
people, regardless of family ties? How much more peaceful would your
life be if you simplified it, regardless of customs or societal
norms? Moreover, how much more enriching would your life be, if you
focused on the important things like taking the time to really
listen to those you care about?
This way of being represents
being true to you versus established routines and other people. I
find it interesting that there is more and more written about the
importance of joining communities or neighborhoods of like minded
people – people who have the same values as you – whatever your
values may be. Many are proposing this as a key strategy for
happiness, peace and joy in the future.
Let’s go back to you
for a minute. Is the view you have of yourself, your own? Is it
created by those around you? Is it based on what you think those
around you, want you to be? When you are clear about who you are,
you will begin to attract others who are similar to you! (Likes
attract likes.) These people will love you unconditionally for who
you are. They will stick by you and cherish the things about you
that make you unique.
I recommend that you think
seriously about being true to you, who you are, and what you stand
for. I invite you, in this holiday season, to be authentic – true to
you. Try taking the pressure off for just one day. Spend it in a way
that brings contentment and love to you and yours. When you do, you
will find an added gift - there is peace and joy in authenticity.
Contact Alice to learn how
she can help you master this topic - or transform other health,
emotion, and spiritual issues. Free consultations are offered
to
all new clients to learn how Alice's work is directly tailored to
address your areas of concern. Don't wait - step onto your Healing
Path today!
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