Keeping it together during the Holidays.

1. Coping Strategies: 3 Ways to Stop Acting Ugly for the Holidays!
Holidays were created to give us something to look forward to in the near future.
It's motivation for the spirit. It's a way to create unity.
More importantly, it's an excuse for people to subliminally spend their money on things they won't
have thought of on their own. Don't you feel good when you know there is a day coming to
celebrate?.
Maybe...Maybe not.
Maybe you're the kind of person that hates holidays because it reminds you of all the things you
don't have right now and you're mad about it.
Maybe you don't like the holidays because you don't like your family.
Maybe you don't like the holidays, because you're still single (wonder why?)
Ok. You're mad.
How's that working for you?
You're mad.
You're making other people mad by acting ugly. That's right.
Acting ugly.
For example, yelling at people for saying "Happy Holidays", slamming the phone down when
someone wishes you a happy holiday, telling people how you feel about Santa Claus, pushing
people away anytime they want to give you a hug or high five.
Stop.
Stop right now.
Here are 3 Ways to stop acting ugly for the Holidays:
1. Be hopeful.
Hope is what keeps us believing in things, even when life is going crazy. You're behavior is ugly,
but you aren't. You have a unique character and fragile feelings that have been undiscovered by
you and others. Take the time to reintroduce yourself to yourself, so you can get excited about
the holidays again.

2. 2. Try something new.
Acting ugly for the holidays could mean that you need something to change in your life. Try a new
food, drive to a new city or visit a new friend.
3. Forgive others.
Is your behavior connected to burnt bridges? Do you think that you have been done wrong and
it's not fair? I understand. Chances are you're probably right. But are you going to hold on to that
feeling forever, let it eat away at the best years of your life and ruin every holiday?
I hope not.
You're worth far more than any hurt feelings you have or injustice that's sucking away your good
times.
You don't have to be miserable any more.
Take a good look at your behavior and ask yourself
"Is this working for me?"
"Am I really getting what I want by acting ugly?"
Write down your answers in a journal. Reread the entry the next day and reflect on the situation.
Ask yourself the same questions again and make another entry in your journal.
Compare entries.
Recognize any changes to your answers.
Repeat this activity consistently, until you see positive changes in your entries and your behavior.
Now the holidays will have a different meaning to you and you won't have to act
ugly….ANYMORE!.
Antoinette Capri is a resilience life coach to mothers, teens and leaders of the future.
Author of “31 Ways to Brighten Your Days!”
Visit the blog at http://www.stressrelief31ways.blogspot.com or http://www.antoinettecapri.com
for coping strategy coaching sessions or presentations.