For a Less Stressed, More Peaceful Holiday Season, Start Now!

Would you like to feel more calm, focused and balanced this holiday season?

The holidays start in 90 days. That's plenty of time to pre-create what you want to experience during the time of year that celebrates loving connections. How would you like your holidays to be?

Are the holidays usually a busy, rushed, stressful time for you? Looking back to last December, what did you do that you wish you hadn't? What did you do that wasn't meaningful for you?

This year, you can explore new opportunities for creating a different kind of holiday experience. By keeping your passion front and center, you can achieve, attain and accomplish your heart's desire of a truly meaningful season. Here's what I mean.

• Achieve your desired outcome for your holiday experience. Start by identifying your passion. Your time with loved ones will be especially meaningful for you when you view each event as an opportunity to express one or more of your passions.

For instance, if you've always wanted a relaxed, quiet evening of board games by the fire with your family, ask for everyone's agreement now. Get the date on everyone's calendars while they're still open.

• Attain the state of mind and state of being you want. How do you want to feel? Would you be happier if you did less, or if you had more fun?

In other words, do you want to have a calm, relaxed body and a peaceful mind? If so, pick an afte
oon in the middle of December and pre-pay for a one-hour massage. But if you'd rather have an excited mind and a stimulated body, think about a new group activity you'd enjoy, like singing Christmas carols while you cut down your own tree. Create a new tradition you'll treasure with loved ones for years to come, and make it the first activity you write in your holiday calendars.

• Accomplish the tasks associated with creating the kind of experiences you want to have. When you know how you want to feel and how you can create more meaning, you'll naturally be inspired to pursue it. Again, using your passion as your guide, take the actions that will lead you to a truly special holiday.

Put the most important activities on your calendar now, and make them non-negotiable. Practice saying no gently and lovingly; without guilt or remorse.

Today's Coaching Question: What can you do today to begin creating a peaceful, more meaningful holiday season?