Holiday Hint: Open to Optimistic Opportunities

Yesterday you probably celebrated the first major Holiday of the season (unless you count Halloween.)  I hope the real joy suggestions I have shared over the past four weeks helped you cope and enjoy the Holiday. 

Today I continue my gifts of ways to put "real joy" back into the Holidays.  So far we have completed "real" in the anagram REAL JOY.  In a continuation of my out-of-orderness, I'm going to talk about O.

O is for “Optimistic Outlook.”  Create and surround yourself with feelings of optimism and positives.  Spend time with positive people, the people who energize you, and limit the time you spend with those who you find draining.  After yesterday you probably have a better idea who the drainers are. 

Here's the test, if you walk away from a discussion feeling better and positive, the person is an energizer.  If you walk away feeling sucked dry or depressed, they are a drainer.  You can feel tired after spending time with the energizer, but it is a "good" tired rather than a "blah" one.

This may mean limiting time with certain family members, and that's okay, even healthy. 

As you spend time with the optimistic and energizing people you have more energy to do things and enjoy your time.  You also learn new ways to be positive and energized.  

Additionally, remember to enjoy optimistically.  On regular days we forget to enjoy the moment; we do more so in the hectic pace of the Holidays.  Take a break and do fun, playful things.  Kick in the leaves, set up trains, watch geese fly, make snowflakes, create a skit with your kids, use your imagination. 

Remember, the ability to play is a sign of mental wellness.

So your courageous work is to surround and fill yourself with optimism and positive vibes.  It is your choice, you know. 

Click the comment button below and 

tell us about the drainers and energizers in your life!

Don't forget to check out ways to make life easier here.