Giving and taking care of ourselves

We have entered into the end-of-the-year holiday season, which often becomes a struggle for many folks because they equate it with being the season of giving.

When I hear the statement “bah humbug,” I shudder because it gives me an unpleasant feeling. I understand many people believe they truly have a reason to feel that way. Others need to take a closer look at why they feel that way.

While there are times in my life I struggled with making it through the holidays, today I try to take a positive look at life. I’m not always successful. Often I allow others’ actions to creep into my plans. At those times I take a step back and decide why I’m giving them and their attitudes the power to control my happiness.

While I receive pleasure in doing for others, I’m learning they might not put value on what I am offering. Learning flexibility usually makes life easier and creating guidelines on what I’ll offer is a big help.

When I review my list, I’ve often left off an important person who should have prominent place on my list — me.

It’s not easy for me to establish guidelines and stick with them. I want to try to help everyone, but I am learning I’m responsible for my emotions and my happiness, not theirs. That doesn’t mean if I can help brighten their day or do something to make their lives better, I shouldn’t. I’m learning before I can give to others, I need to take care of myself. I feel those who say “bah humbug” probably need to think about taking care of themselves.

All of us need to be more deliberate in caring of ourselves by involving activities to improve mental, emotional and physical health. Self-care can help people feel happier, healthier, and more resilient. Those positive emotions you create in yourself usually spill over into the lives of those we are around.