9 Key Questions about the real meaning of Christmas and your Inner Peace

Ho-Ho-Ho, It's the Season of Excess!

Twinkling bells and ringing tills... it's hard to ignore Christmas in this culture.

Are you struggling with the commercialism, consumerism and gluttony that seems to be everywhere at this time of the year?

Have you ever swept away on the tide of excess, only to be dumped on shore a month later, bruised and tattered and in need of repair?

Have you experienced a New Year's Hangover yourself in the past? The effects of too much sugar and too many swipes of the credit card?

If you are nodding your head in agreement then what about making a personalized and detailed intention and plan to walk through the season with both your values and your waistline intact?

Giving this time of the year some considered thought might save you a lot of anxiety. Get out your journal and answer these 9 questions. Your answers will be your anchor.

The significance of Christmas to you:
Most people have a personal relationship with this time of the year in this culture. Whether it has deeply meaningful spiritual significance to you or not, chances are, you have a lot of memories and have formed specific beliefs for this time of the year.

What does Christmas really mean to you?

What values were handed down from your family?

What are the expectations that others currently have of you?

Your past experiences:
Some people sail through the season with ease. They don't over indulge in food, or in spending. What about you? Are there usually uncomfortable consequences for the way you handle this time of the year? If you repeat last year, will you like what you get in the New Year?

What has the food scene been like in the past?

What are your usual spending habits?

When you think of the upcoming Christmas season, how do you feel?

The Ideal Season:
If you were to take complete responsibility for your self and your actions this year, what would a wonderful Christmas season look like to you? Think about the dinner parties, staff parties, plates of sweets, bottles of wines... Make a plan that is specific and feels good. This is not about denying yourself, it is about being self loving and respectful.

What would your ideal food plan look like? If you participate in the social scene, how would you like to eat? What would satisfy you on all levels?

What would your ideal budget look like? How can you express the love you have for others and still be true to your financial vision for yourself?

How do you want to feel about yourself in January when you step on the scale and open the credit card bill? Be specific.

Here's the thing:
You can walk through this season with strength and grace and have a great time doing it. The secret is to have a vision that is self empowering rather than the usual self denying one.

Create your vision of personal power, mindful consumerism, self-respectful treatment of your body. Make each choice a choice of power, say 'no thank you' when you must because you love yourself and deserve the best. Say 'yes, please' whenever the offer is in your best interest.

Don't get swept away in the mindless tide of excess. Love your self.

Peace on Earth

"20 PROFOUND AND PROVOCATIVE JOURNAL PROMPTS"
Personal Development Journal Prompts