Embracing the Holidays with Inner Strength

There's a saying that goes "You never know how strong you are until being strong is the only choice you have." It's a powerful reminder that our true strength often emerges when we're faced with difficult circumstances and challenges. Holidays often bring with them a unique set of challenges and/or difficult circumstances, whether it's being alone for the holidays, dealing with family or in-laws, financial issues, time constraints, travel issues - sometimes more than one of these at a time.

You are strong, and you will make it through, but why not be prepared ahead of time? If you knew that in 3 months you would have to lift a 100lb bag of potatoes over your head, would you wait until the bag is in front of you to figure it out, or would you start working on your strength in advance? If you knew your life depended on lifting that bag over your head - you would do it - no matter what, but the stress involved would not make that pleasant. However, if you had been strength training for the 3 months prior, that 100lb bag is not a challenge at all. Easy Peasy.

But how do we do this? How do we gain inner strength? Well, let's start with what you've already overcome. Surely the issues you're facing this holiday season are not the first hardships you've gone through? What has been the absolute worst thing you have experienced? What challenges have you faced in the past? How did you overcome them? Take a moment to realize that you made it through 100% of those challenges. You may be scarred - but damn it...you survived!

I've been through a lot of crap in my life. Seven years of caring for my dad was hard. Losing him was even harder. I thought those two things paled in comparison to anything I had to deal with prior. Then 2022 happened. I am not going to lie. I am a freaking STRONG person, but 2022 almost broke me. It literally almost took me out - on more than one occasion. But I made it through - and I am stronger than ever. I am one BAD ASS BITCH right now...and I know, without a shadow of a doubt that I can survive anything.

However, one thing that 2022 taught me was to ask for help when I needed it. This is by far the hardest thing I ever had to do - because I AM the helper - I don't ask for help. Being strong doesn't mean never asking for help - it means knowing when you need it and doing something about it. That is REAL strength. Don't be afraid to ask for help - it is not a sign of weakness.

One of the things that keeps me mentally strong is what I call my Hour of Power in the morning. That's not my quote - I stole it from Tony Robbins. I get up ridiculously early in the morning, and because I am blessed to have workout equipment in my spare room, I head there soon after my eyes are open - in my pajamas. After that, I spend a few minutes in prayer or meditation and set my intentions for the day. It's a practice that just sets my day up for success. Maybe your schedule won't allow a workout before work, but maybe you can start with some deep breathing in the shower or setting your intentions for the day on the drive into work. Physical strength is important to your mental strength, so try to get a workout in when you can...even if it's a 10 minute walk during lunch or after dinner.

I'll be back tomorrow with some more tips for this important subject. Until then, stay strong - you got this!

#InnerStrength #BeStrong #YouGotThis #GoHappyYourself