How to be OK with being alone and single

How to be OK with being alone and single

Single Lady 1

If you feel bad or sad that you’re alone/single, I want to say it’s OK. As a young single adult growing up in Hawaii, I was totally ok with being single and alone. My parents had divorced and the idea of marriage seemed awful to me. However, when I moved to Utah a couple years later, there was a whole new culture exposed, and I began to feel that being single + alone was a bad thing. In fact, all my peers were getting married so young. I felt so out of place. Have you felt this way? 

To some (especially older generations), being single + alone is viewed as a bad thing. Without fail, family members would ask, “Are you dating?” at every event, reminding me of my marital status. I hadn’t cared about it up until living in Utah, and I had to give myself permission to be OK with being alone. In fact, I gave myself permission to be happy + celebrate this time of my life! 

So let’s just stick to the Hawaiian style, where everything is slower and we get to enjoy right where we are. Here are some ideas to help you be OK with being alone: 

Remove unrealistic expectations 

As a little girl, I thought my ideal life would be to graduate from college, serve a church mission, get my masters degree, write books, meet someone at age 27, date for a year (just to be sure), and get married at 28. Then I could have kids and yaddah yaddah after that. Well, by the age of 23 I started to feel antsy. It seemed like all my peers were getting married and having babies, and they were all somewhat younger than me (21, 20, etc). I wanted to find my dream guy, but it just wasn’t in the books. So… I removed the unrealistic expectations of the culture in Utah—I didn’t have to get married before 25, I didn’t even have to feel bad about it. I was on my journey. 

I’m so glad I changed my mindset, because I was able to take control of what I could: cleaning up the mess my dad left after my parents divorced, traveling to Hawaii, working, and then… when the timing was right, I met my to-be husband. 

There are so many unrealistic expectations that 1) we put on ourselves or 2) our parents put on us or 3) the culture/community/society puts on us or 4) all of the above. When you evaluate those expectations, they’re SO unrealistic. Know that you are on YOUR journey, and that YOU can set your expectations. You’re in control sister! 

Be grateful 

This is an obvious solution, but when you really just stop and see how far you’ve come, there’s so much to be grateful for. Living in mahalo is truly a happy way of life. Living mahalo also helps you recognize that this time of being alone is an amazing way to improve you and your character. It’s a time of life to appreciate you for YOU, and love the journey. 

Keep a journal

Record this time of your life, both the ups and the downs. Write lists of things that make you happy, and even things that make you sad. Write your feelings about being single, your dreams, and desires. Your journal is your personal space. It’s like talking to a trusted friend, which is so important when you don’t have a physical person there with you. 

Give yourself permission 

We’re all human, and we need to let our emotions out somehow. Give yourself permission to feel the emotions. It really is OK to feel sad at times, even discouraged or disappointed. When you’re alone and have nobody to talk to, it feels like there’s no outlet. But when you give yourself permission to just be and feel, you provide an outlet. So let yourself feel sad, but have a plan to boost your spirits. 

When I was alone and single, working my tail off to make ends meet, I wrote everything in my journal. It was an amazing relief, especially because I didn’t have very many friends or people to talk to (besides my coworkers and witchy supervisor). But I also HAD to give myself time to feel sad, or I’d explode. I gave myself permission to listen to a couple of few sad songs that resonated with me at the time, and then I had a plan for after: I’d get up, take a walk, create something, write in my journal, or call one of my sisters.  

Find joy in the journey 

Just enjoy this stage of your life. Look at the positives. Create opportunities from obstacles. Stop to smell the roses and enjoy the warmth of the sun on your skin. 

Keep improving yourself 

Being single is the perfect time to improve yourself. Before you step into a relationship or marriage, you have a time of life to begin becoming the best YOU. Of course, none of us are perfect, but the earlier you start on improving and strengthening your character, the better your life will be. You’re actually creating paradise NOW, instead of waiting for the right person to come along. You’re in control of your life. 

Trust God and his plan 

Now is a great time to start developing/strengthening your relationship with God. When I was alone/single, I learned so much about who I was… because of who I am to God. I recognized, on a deeper level, how much he loves me and that I’m never alone. I learned that his plan is better than mine, and I just need to trust him and the process. I know that being single/alone can really suck at times, but turn this obstacle into an opportunity. 

Do self care 

Nothing fancy, just something nice for yourself. Valentine’s Day seems to be a hard day for those without a significant other, but make an opportunity of it. Get something for yourself and/or even for a friend! 

Strengthen family ties 

Being single is actually super fun because you get to strengthen your relationship with your family—and when I say family, I mean, specifically, siblings. Siblings are gifts from God, no matter how annoying or stupid they can be. You spent your childhood and adolescence together—and now, as adults, you have SO much more freedom to have fun, explore, and make memories together. Strengthen those bonds because, you’ll learn, as you get older, your circle of acquaintances and friends fade away, but your siblings are always there. 

Keep a close group of friends 

You don’t have to have a gazillion friends, just one or a few. Friends can really help you find joy and adventure in life, big and small. It’s important for your health to get out and socialize, and when you’re with people you love and admire, it’s a win-win. As an introvert, I just did NOT want to get out, and if I did get out, I would have rather gone alone. But when I did push myself to go, I was always glad I did. Just remember… you don’t have to have tons of friends… just one or a few good friends will make such a huge difference and help you enjoy life. 

Find opportunities to serve 

You can gain a deep satisfaction in life by serving others. Being alone/single isn’t so bad when you have an opportunity to serve. Whether you serve quietly in your church, or volunteer in the community, you are making a difference—not just for others, but for yourself too. 

Be OK with being alone 

I’m sorry if people always ask you if you’re dating someone, or if your grandma/grandpa/aunts/uncles/parents pester you and try to find someone suitable for you. I’m so sorry if people are placing these unrealistic expectations on you. I once talked to a friend at my church about it and she literally started crying because she felt so bad that she was STILL SINGLE! But it’s OK! This is your journey, your life. It is unlike anyone else’s life. You have just as much value as any other woman, and your unique mission and purpose in this world is still there. You are enough—you always were! I hope you feel better about being alone. You are amazing. 

With love, 

Leialoha 

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The Top 8 Ways How to Love Yourself

The Top 8 Ways How to Love Yourself

Self Love 1

This isn’t the kind of “treat” yourself article, with ideas on makeup, clothes, and food to pamper you. This goes beyond that, to a state of you becoming. Growing up in Hawaii, I realized that “things” don’t last. Cars and trucks rust within a few years, food gets soggy if left out, the lava takes over whatever it wants—burning any homes in its path, and any garden or home left untouched becomes a part of the jungle—the trees and plants growing over anything it can. Despite most physical “things” not lasting in Hawaii, there were some “things” that did last—things you couldn’t see, but felt—relationships, love, family, God, good energy. And this article is to help you improve one of these key unseen relationships, aka your relationship with yourself

If you struggle to love yourself, recognize those reasons why (Read The Top 5 Reasons You Don’t Like Yourself + How to Stop It) and then process and reframe your mind. Creating a healthy relationship with yourself can impact your life forever, and it can impact every person around you. Have you ever met that woman who carries herself with grace, who looks as though a crown is on her head—she isn’t haughty, no. She knows who she is, and she loves and embraces who she is. And you can too. Here are the top 8 steps on how you can do that: 

Be kind in your thoughts 

Listen to what your thoughts are saying. I’ve repeated this time and time again in my articles, but when you truly take a moment to listen to your thought process, you’ll recognize you deserve better. The negativity you tell yourself simply isn’t true. You ARE worth it, and no matter how many mistakes you make, you can get up and keep trying. 

Recognize life obstacles for what they are 

We’ve all had terrible things happen to us—whether we caused the pain ourselves, or someone did something awful to us. I’m not undermining these experiences—they are deeply painful, scarring, and can leave us totally stuck, immovable. Recognize these life obstacles as just that: obstacles. Sometimes it takes a while to get over them, and sometimes you might feel as though you’ll always carry some part of it with you… but continue to rise above them. Remember that life obstacles are just events in life, not life itself. When you recognize that, you realize that your life has a beautiful and hopeful journey—it doesn’t have to always be like the darkness you experienced. 

Create something 

Being creative helps you enjoy life, and, even more so, enjoy being you. When you let your creativity flow, whether you’re painting a picture, playing/singing music, writing a poem, or whatever craft/art/medium suits your fancy, you are actually giving yourself permission to be YOU. What better way to love yourself? 

As a Hawaiian, I’ve always loved flower crowns. In Hawaii they’re called lei po’o or haku lei. Whenever I create a haku lei for me or another person, I feel the good energy inside of me—love for my ability to be creative, and love for the person I’m making the lei for. Find something to create and feel the good energy, the zest for life, and enjoy! 

Do something you love 

Treat yourself to something you absolutely love… something that will raise your spirits and provide a wholesome activity for you. Whether that’s spending time with a loved one, reading a book, or even just going for a calm drive through the mountains… doing something you love helps you appreciate you! 

Don’t hold back on promptings 

You know when you have that feeling to go and do something? I suggest you go and do it. 😉 Listening to those promptings from God will inspire your life, and help you feel his love for you. 

Serve others + self 

When you do something for a person who can’t do it by themselves, it provides a deep satisfaction for life. You feel appreciated for what you do—if not by the person you provided service to than, at the very least, from God. Even serving yourself provides satisfaction, in whatever form that looks for you: eating healthy, writing in your journal, reading the scriptures, or watching an uplifting show. 

Celebrate the little successes 

You’re doing great. I wish you could know just that. The very fact that you’re here, finding ways to take care of yourself, shows that you’re on the right path. Celebrate that you’re here! And celebrate the little successes: waking up on time, getting to bed on time, serving a friend, smiling at a stranger, etc. You’re doing better than you think. 😉 

Pray 

Sometimes it’s hard to love yourself when you feel depressed or lonely. In these moments, even just the thought of liking yourself feels impossible. As someone who had depression, I realized that I could not recover on my own, and I needed divine intervention. So I turned to prayer—I always turned to prayer when I couldn’t love myself. God helped me to see my worth as his daughter. He showed me that I’m never alone, because he is always looking out for me. I know he can do the same for you. 

Celebrate + Love You 

You’re amazing. There’s no-one like you on this earth. You have a unique mission and purpose, and as you learn to love yourself, you learn what exactly those are for you. Your life will be filled with satisfaction and purpose, and when trials come (which they will for all of us), you’ll be better equipped because you know who you are + you already love yourself enough to know you can get through any of your hardest days.

Sending love from one daughter of a king to another, 

Leialoha 

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P.S. Want to learn a little more about how to have more ALOHA in your life? Check out my free “Bringing Aloha Home” ebook!

13 Best tips for first time visitors to Hawaii

13 Best tips for first time visitors to Hawaii

Know Before You Go to Hawaii

If you’re planning your first time visit to Hawaii, there are a few things you should know. As a local who’s lived in Hawaii and observed tourists/visiting friends from the mainland, I’ve collected the most important tips you should know before your first time visit to Hawaii. I’ve taken the stress out of your trip by giving you practical advice. You don’t have to go at it blindly, and following these tips will ensure the best possible trip for you! 

Use sunscreen 

Whenever you go out, use sunscreen. I can’t tell you how many times people have visited Hawaii from the mainland and either 1) forgot to put on sunscreen, 2) thought they were immune, or 3) just thought they didn’t need it (like for a hike, picnic, etc). Whatever the reason, having a bad burn will just ruin the whole trip. Your body will be sore and you won’t be able to go into the sun—and most of Hawaii’s activities are under the rays. So do yourself a favor and use sunscreen, even if you don’t think you need it! P.S. I’m a local and I still use sunscreen—do your skin and vacay a favor. 😉 

Use reef-safe sunscreen 

The chemicals from sunscreen have negatively affected the reefs in Hawaii, so a law was made banning certain types of sunscreen. Do yourself and the environment a huge favor by carefully selecting reef-safe sunscreen, which can be purchased at grocery stores and Walmarts throughout the islands. 

Use insect repellant 

Most first time visitors to Hawaii forget about this tip, or don’t even think about it. To be honest, Hawaii has lots of bugs. If you’re going on a hike in a more jungle-like part of the islands, use insect repellant. Some parts of Hawaii are really mosquito infested, so to avoid the itchy legs and arms, use insect repellant. 

Rent a car 

If you don’t have a car, it will be very difficult to get around the island. There is a public transportation system, but most of your time will be wasted by using that. If you want to go where you want to go, and do the things you want to do… rent a car.  Check out Turo for some awesome deals on car rentals. 

Be prepared to pay 

Hawaii ain’t cheap. Groceries are much more expensive in Hawaii than the mainland, so be prepared to pay more for even something as simple as a gallon of milk. Your Costco card will come in clutch if you’re doing Hawaii on a budget though, as food prices aren’t much different from the mainland. The Costco foodcourt is also a great way to do Hawaii on a budget. 

Choose tourist companies wisely 

There are tourist companies that are authentic and original, sharing folklore, history, and aloha… and then there are tourist companies that are soooo touristy. I’ve seen both, but my biggest piece of advice is to research and schedule your excursions in advance. If you’re coming off a cruise, also be cautious of which tours to choose and ASK questions! You want to get the most of your time and experience in Hawaii. 

Respect the locals, space, and boundaries 

A lot of the gems and attractions of Hawaii are usually surrounded by homes. Like any other place you visit, respect the locals, their space, and boundaries. Don’t trespass and don’t invade. Hawaii locals have to work hard to live there, so be respectful of their space. 

Respect the animals 

Just as you wouldn’t walk up to someone and touch them, or trash their home… don’t do that with the animals. They make a home of the ocean, the reefs, and the beaches too, so don’t litter, don’t touch them, and give them their space. Locals have a lot of respect for the life of the land, and each animal is unique and special. Admire from a distance, but give the animals the respect they deserve too. 

Malama ka ‘Aina 

This is a common phrase you’ll see in Hawaii, meaning “Take care of the land.” We are deeply invested in the health and stability of our land, as we feel connected to it. As we take care of the land, it takes care of us—physically, emotionally, spiritually… In fact, islanders are so serious about this that a person could be fined at least $500 if they’re caught littering. So respect the land, whether you’re at the beach, on a hike, etc. and remember, when you take care of the land, it will take care of you! 

Heed the warning/caution signs 

If the signs says “No Trespassing,” there’s a reason for it. Or if it says to drive slower (which might be annoying to you, as Hawaii speed limits are much slower than any other place), there’s a reason for it. 

If in doubt, don’t go out 

Hawaii is full of ocean currents and riptides. When you come to a beach, especially if there are caution/warning signs, and you aren’t sure if you should go out… don’t go out. Too many people have been hurt, or worse, killed by going into the water without paying attention to the warning signs. If you do happen to get caught in a current, here’s what you do: 

1. Don’t panic. If you panic, you’ll lose your energy and ability to concentrate on getting back. 

2. Swim with the current. Sounds weird, but when you swim with it, you’ll be able to eventually make your way back to shore. 

3. If you can find something to stand on, use that to walk to shore. I’ve been caught in the current a few times, but I’ve always been fortunate to have found a sandbar, reef, or other thing to be able to stand on and walk to shore. 

Be careful! 

There have been stories from all over the world of people not watching their surroundings while taking selfies. In Hawaii, the most common thing I’ve seen is people turn their backs to the ocean. That’s a big no-no. Since I was little my mom would remind me to not turn my back to the ocean, and you shouldn’t either. Always be aware of your surroundings before taking a picture. 

Be careful in heeding the warning signs as well. I was at Rainbow Falls in Hilo and an old couple went out on the slippery rocks… I’m not sure why. Maybe they wanted to see the water closer? I just remember feeling really worried for them. In more recent news, a girl slipped down a 50-ft falls and survived but broke several ribs and damaged her lungs. Just don’t do it. Be wise and watch your surroundings. 

Have fun! 

And, above all, have fun! This is your first time visit to Hawaii and it’s going to be an amazing, unforgettable adventure. If you follow these tips for your first time visit to Hawaii, you’ll have a great time! 

Wishing you a joyful trip, 

Lei 

Can’t make it to Hawaii? Change your mindset and get there faster!

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The Top 5 Reasons You Don’t Like Yourself

The Top 5 Reasons You Don’t Like Yourself

+ How to Stop

You Don't Like Yourself

Growing up in Hawaii, I learned a lot of common sayings from locals, but one saying really applies to those moments you don’t like yourself, or when I didn’t like myself. One of these sayings is, “Is all good.” People would say this for everything—when you made a mistake, when you forgot something, when there was an accident, when you tripped, when you stammered on your words… and to be honest, it was all good. 

But, for some reason, we seem to dwell on the bad things about ourselves, and to us, things really aren’t “all good.” Because we’re only human, there are reasons we don’t like ourselves. Perhaps we learned beliefs from our parents, who said things about themselves, and we internalized it into ourselves. Perhaps we suffered from abuse, neglect, trauma, or some other grief in life, and that changed our mind into thinking, “I don’t like myself” or “I don’t deserve anything good in life” or “I won’t ever be happy.” 

This article talks about the top reasons you don’t like yourself, and then how to stop. Why is it important to know the reasons you don’t like yourself? When you begin to understand your thought processes and your beliefs about yourself (which are usually false), then you begin to realize that you are of infinite worth. You have full permission to like—even love—yourself because a Heavenly Father already loves you so much, and he created you as uniquely YOU. You can’t be replaced by anyone, and when you see that, anything is possible. You deserve joy, grace, and love. 

So here are the top reasons you don’t like yourself… 

You compare yourself and your life to others 

This is the most obvious reason you might not like yourself. When you scroll through social media and see others (especially peers) who have so much success, and you don’t have those same results, it can feel crushing. It can feel like you you’re doing something wrong, or you’re just not rich, pretty, skinny, etc enough. Basically you feel like you “aren’t enough” and that you never will be. But that’s simply not true. You ARE enough, and you always have been. You have a unique mission here on this earth, different from the girl you see on social media, different from your neighbor, or the lady at church. You are beautifully YOU! 😀 

You have suffered through a lot of darkness 

Mental illness, such as depression and anxiety can really cause feelings of dislike for yourself. With depression, you can feel hopeless, isolated, and even helpless. And when you have a small group of friends (or no friends), it can feel so alone. You think, “Well, if nobody likes to hang out with me, am I even worth anything?” The feelings of self-hatred can burn so strongly in these moments of grief and despair. My heart weeps for those who feel this way—because I was in the same place too once. Know that there is hope. There is always hope, through a loving God, who created a perfect plan just for you. Trust in that plan, trust that he loves you infinitely, without bounds. 

You suffered neglect 

If you were neglected as a child or adolescent by a parent or sibling, or even as an adult by a spouse, then you can begin to believe that nobody cares about you. You begin to think that because you’ve been so neglected, that 

Someone took advantage of you 

Whether you were the victim of abuse or a victim of the system (government, school, etc), someone somewhere down the line took advantage of you, making you feel weak, hopeless, helpless, and unwanted. It’s not fair, you think. Why do all these bad things happen to me? The conclusion comes up that you probably deserve it, or that you have no worth so of course it would happen to you. That’s not true though. You were a victim to someone else’s inappropriate behavior, but you still have worth. You are still a beautiful daughter of a King. 

Your needs weren’t met 

If you didn’t have the basic necessities of life growing up (shelter, food, clothes), then you might think that nobody cares about you, so why should you care about yourself? This simply isn’t true though. YOU can be the chain in your family that breaks off the cycle of poverty, of abuse, of neglect. You CAN have your needs met. As you continue to work hard and keep your eyes focused on the light, you can do it. 

You’re not where you want to be (physically, mentally, etc) 

Sometimes the struggle is just SO REAL in trying to reach your dreams. Whether you’re trying to lose weight, be more patient, or just be kinder to yourself, when you fail, it’s easy to get frustrated at YOU. But here’s the thing. You’re trying! Some people don’t even make it to the step of trying. Every try is a step in the right direction. And every fail is an opportunity to learn. You got this sister! 

How to Stop it + Start LOVING yourself more 

When Hawaii locals would say to me, “Is all good,” sometimes I’d feel a little infuriated. “They obviously haven’t been through or seen what I’ve seen…” I’d say in my head. As someone who survived abuse and poverty, I realized, however, that I could MAKE things “all good.” I could even make things BETTER. I was in control of my life, and I could choose how to react to things and how to start believing in myself. 

And you can too. You have full control of your life, and you can start believing in yourself more. To start loving yourself more, you need to first recognize the source of your dislike. What is the honest reason you dislike yourself so much? Read through the reasons above and take time to ponder your life, your purpose, and how all of your experiences have molded you. Then, recognize and process the reasons you don’t like yourself. Will you let these reasons affect you for the rest of your life? Or will you let go of the negativity and recognize that you have an infinite and divine worth, and that you can reach whatever dreams you want? 

Once you make your decision, live by it. Recognize that you can do it! Our trials and hardships are events in life, not life itself. Start loving yourself a little more by giving yourself credit for even the smallest successes. Celebrate the gift of your life. You are so loved and so worthy. I hope you can start loving yourself more this year and experience even more joy! 

With aloha, 


Leialoha 

P.S. Want to learn more about having aloha for yourself? Bring Hawaii to you with this short, guided Ebook on “Bringing Aloha Home!”

15 Ways to Avoid the Holiday Stress

15 Ways to Avoid the Holiday Stress

Avoid Holiday Stress

The holidays should be a time of gratitude, reflection, and light… but for most of us it can also be a time of extreme holiday stress, especially because of all the expectations: gift giving, hosting parties, going to parties, giving treats to the neighbors, getting together with family, etc… It can feel pretty horrible when there’s family drama going on too (trust me, I’ve been there and get it). 

While there’s the rush and bustle in the stores, and the unmerciful marketing strategies telling you to “buy this” or “buy that,” the simplicity of the holidays disappear—even a homemade gift makes you feel like a failure. 

But it doesn’t have to be that way. You CAN avoid the holiday stress and actually enjoy the season! When you take good care of yourself, you’re better able to help others—and enjoy it too! Christmas doesn’t have to be a burden. With some planning and simple strategies, you can avoid the holiday stress this year! 

1. Remember the reason for the season 

When you really pause and remember WHO we are celebrating at Christmas time, it can change your whole perspective. As you admire and reflect on the birth of Jesus Christ, you can add so much light to your life. The hustle and bustle, the pressure, and the stress all become silent when you focus on Christ. 

2. Limit social time 

If you tend to feel drained after being around people, it’s a good idea to limit your social time. The holidays are full of parties and get-togethers. Give yourself permission to NOT have to attend each one, and only do what you can handle. 

3. Use a planner 

Instead of trying to remember everything, use a planner to organize your life and thoughts. I created the Holiday Self Care Planner to stay organized, keep up my routines, and just take care of myself, especially during the cold of the winter. You can use this planner or others to alleviate the stress and free up your mind. 

4. Snuggle up with a loved one

Take a breather and snuggle up with your spouse, a furry friend, or your boyfriend/girlfriend. Just being close to another living soul brings perspective, peace, and even joy back into you. 

5. Prioritize your time 

Ask yourself, what do I REALLY want to get done? It’s so easy to get distracted from the things that matter most. Instead of rushing all over the place to buy gifts or food, ask yourself what you really want this Christmas, then intentionally follow through with your answers. 

6. Serve more 

When we lift the burdens of others, our own burdens are lifted too. Serving doesn’t have to be something huge, although volunteering and donating are wonderful ways to give. Service can be as simple as visiting a friend, texting a loved one, smiling, or showing gratitude. 

7. Forgive others 

Family and friends can get on your nerves during the holidays. Well, nobody is perfect so this holiday season try to intentionally forgive others. If someone says something rude, ungrateful, or sarcastic, make an intentional choice to forgive them. 

8. Be grateful 

This is such a simple tip, but taking a moment to thank someone sincerely (even strangers like cashiers at the stores, etc), writing a gratitude list, or saying a prayer of gratitude will fill your heart with joy. 

9. Treat yourself 

It’s so easy to let self-care slip during the holiday season. Healthy eating disappears, routines go out the window, and basic self care just doesn’t happen. Be intentional with taking care of yourself during the holidays. Winter blues and holiday stress can hugely impact your mental and physical health. Try a 30-day Self Care Challenge or put the Simple Self Care Checklist somewhere you can see it. 

10. Write lists 

I’ve always been a fan of lists. When you write lists, you are able to organize your thoughts better. I used to write a lot of “Control” lists because my life felt so out of control. Other list ideas are fears, wants, needs, gratitude, etc. To clear your mind, write lists on your phone, a napkin, just about anything you can write with. 

11. Find beauty

If you’re too busy, the beauty of the winter season can slip right by. Find beauty in the lights, the snow, and the decorations. I’ve never been a great Christmas decorator so I appreciate the efforts of others with their lights and themed decorations. I also really appreciate the beauty and magic of fresh snow. 

12. Be patient 

Know that the holiday/winter season is just that… it’s a season. It passes. There’s a quote that says life is meant to be enjoyed, not just endured. However, if there are some moments that you need to just “endure,” give yourself grace and love in these times. 

13. Don’t compare yourself with others 

When you’re looking at social media, the marketing at stores, or even your neighbors, you might start to compare your holiday season with theirs. Know that your Christmas/holiday season and experience is unique to you and that your life and timeline is completely different. Also remember that instead of feeling jealousy, you can intentionally choose to feel happy for others. Sure, you’re not where they are, but know that your journeys are different. 

14. Keep it simple 

I don’t know about you, but it stresses me out majorly when things get complicated. You don’t have to attend every social gathering, do all the traditions, or spend tons of money. I’ve found that the simpler you keep things, the traditions, gifts, and season become much more meaningful. 

15. Budget 

Budgeting is super underrated (and sometimes not even done!) during the holidays, and people end up spending way too much money at Christmas time. With the pressure, the hustle, and the merciless marketing, it’s easy to feel like you owe everyone something. Even if you buy little things for everyone, it definitely adds up. Limit the holiday stress by setting a budget and keeping your commitments to that budget. 

Conclusion 

I hope you can find more peace and less stress this holiday season by applying at least one or some of these tips. Joy isn’t something that is beyond your reach, even in the cold, the busy-ness, and the hustle of the holidays. As you take a deep breath, refocus, and center yourself on the real reason for the season, your capacity to love and serve increases, and you can create paradise right where you are. 

Wishing you a very merry Christmas and joyful new year!

Lei 

15 ways to avoid stress