.: Happy Holidays? It’s Up To You
By:Judy Ringer
Category:Home / Family / Holidays
The Holiday Season. Does time seems to compress, or is it just me? There's so much going on - the end of autumn, the beginning of winter, and all the holidays that follow. As a child it was an exciting time of year. As an adult, it seems filled with more shopping, baking, parties, and other events than I can squeeze into the available time.
In Aikido, the martial art that I practice and teach, we have something called "randori," an exercise in which the student stands alone on the practice mat and as many as five opponents attack simultaneously. Sometimes the holidays feel like this - which task, event, or relationship do I take on first?
The first secret of randori is to handle one attack at a time. I can't let myself become overwhelmed by the enormity of what's out there. I must stay fully present with what's right in front of me. It's hard to do, but it saves time, energy, and wear and tear!
Secret #2 is to engage the attack. Though it sounds counterintuitive, welcoming the attack puts me in charge of it. I decide what I want to handle first and move toward it.
Planning a family dinner, finding places to stay for the relatives, shopping for holiday gifts, getting the budget report done on time, AND hiring a new administrative assistant - each task by itself might be doable, even enjoyable, but taken together they seem overwhelming. How to stay balanced and effective?
In the midst of life's multiple, simultaneous events:
- Know that each can be an attack or a gift - it's up to you.
- Engage one task at a time.
- Every time you experience the pressure of "How can I possibly do it all?" - stop and BE where you are, and give your relaxed presence to the task at hand.
Gradually you'll feel in charge of the only things you can be in charge of - yourself and the present moment.
Happy Holidays!
Article keywords: holidays, time management, priorities, holiday season, holiday pressure, overwhelm, personal power, presence, take charge of your life
Article Source: http://www.articles32.com
© 2004 Judy Ringer, Power & Presence Training
About the Author: Judy Ringer is the author of Unlikely Teachers: Finding the Hidden Gifts in Daily Conflict, containing stories and practices on turning life's challenges into life teachers. Judy is a black belt in aikido and nationally known presenter, specializing in unique workshops on conflict, communication, and creating a more positive work environment. She is the founder of Power & Presence Training, and chief instructor of Portsmouth Aikido, Portsmouth, NH, USA. To sign up for more free tips and articles like these, visit www.JudyRinger.com.
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Pumpkin carving is one of the most enjoyed and most looked-forward-to traditions of Halloween, as also of the entire season Autumn. Pumpkins of all shapes hit the market during this season, but you got to be a little mindful while buying pumpkins for your Halloween pumpkin carving. Pumpkins sometimes come in odd shapes which do not make good visuals after carving.
2). Halloween Trivia
Halloween is the 2nd most commercially successful holiday in the US calendar after Christmas .
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Black cats are believed to be witch's familiars who protected their powers.
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You can find a large variety of Halloween costumes available at stores in your neighborhood. However, when you consider the cost and lack of originality, homemade costumes are a more fun and oftentimes more cost-effective option. Plus, if you involve your children in creating the homemade costumes, the results will be worth more than any store-bought costume in any store.
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Are you tired of the same old Dracula, Elvis or grim reaper costumes? Perhaps you’re looking to try something different this Halloween? Using your imagination and a few unique props you can put together, here are a few men's Halloween costume ideas that will make you stand out from the crowd this year.
Blackjack Dealer
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Each February, in places around the world, friends exchange flowers, gifts, and candy in celebration of Valentine's Day. The name of St. Valentine is known across the globe as a patron saint. Most of us however, do not know the true origin of St. Valentine and how this special day came to be. What we do know is that February is the month of romance.
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7). When Do You Give Thanks?
Do you wait until Thanksgiving Day or Christmas to thank those that you love and those that have helped you? It is important to spend time during these special holidays to be thankful. However, it shouldn't be the only time you demonstrate your love and appreciation to others.
There are some great reasons to thank people throughout the year and not just during the holiday season.