By Nancy Virden (c) 2019

There’s stress, and then there’s holiday stress.

At the end of your wits or nerves? Stop everything for a moment.

Stop talking. Stop rushing. Stop cooking or shopping. Stay where you are, take a deep breath and think.

Why? Why am I buying this, or saying this? What is my goal for rushing? Does this actually have to happen now? Does this actually have to happen this way, or at all? Allow the pause to take a minute or two while you concentrate on the answers.

Perhaps you will discover that you are operating on a sense of have-to that does not exist. 

Cathy has considered charging all her expenses. Her head pounds at the thought of more debt.

Dan realizes that his sense of obligation stems from watching the adults perform holiday duties in his childhood. He regrets offering invitations to dozens of people. Not only is he exhausted, but the stress is causing friction between him and his wife.

Cathy concludes that no, she does not have to prove her love by going deeper into debt. She decides to cut her gasoline costs by attending only her favorite event. She writes notes of prayers and encouragement to everyone she loves. Next year, she will start earlier and have some handmade gifts ready.

Dan decided to hire a caterer and a party manager. He and his wife will attend his party this year as guests, relaxed ones. Next year, they will agree together what to do.

With a little honest introspection, stress became less of a disturbance and a calm acceptance of life on life’s terms prevailed. You too are a free agent. If you are unhappy with the repetitive cycles of the holiday season, pray about positive and healthy ways to change them.

-COMMENTS WELCOME

Today’s Helpful Word

2 Thessalonians 2:16-17

May our Lord Jesus Christ himself and God our Father, who loved us and by his grace gave us eternal encouragement and good hope, encourage your hearts and strengthen you in every good deed and word.

If you are feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, in the U.S. call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988, or for a list of international suicide hotlines, go here.

If you are suicidal with a plan, immediately call 911 in the U.S. or go to your nearest emergency room. In the EU call 112. (For other international emergency numbers, go here ). Hope and help are yours!

Always the Fight Ministries (ATFM) has been displaying compassion for those fighting mental illness, addiction, or abuse since 2012. Nancy is the founder and voice of ATFM and openly shares her emotional resurrection from despair. NOTE: Nancy is not a doctor or a mental health professional, and speaks only from personal experience and observations. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental or behavioral health care.

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