Davina HerbertWe are nearing Christmas and the end of the year. Here in Brisbane, it’s hot and humid (when it isn’t raining – lol). This time of year can be a lovely time to relax and connect with family and friends. However it can also be an emotional and stressful time. The hot and humid weather can make people cranky. Then there is the stress of shopping for presents and food to share with family and friends. For some, Christmas is stressful as it doesn’t hold good memories. Then are people who are on their own at Christmas as they are estranged from their families or mourning loved ones who have passed.
For me, growing up, Christmas was always a wonderful time of year. Most of my relatives enjoyed Christmas and would make the family get togethers fun for us kids. Yet of more recent times there have been stressful events going on in my life and I have lost a lot of that Christmas spirit. This year I wanted to have a different experience. So I started early to play Christmas carols and have already put up my tree. Whatever this time of year looks like for you, it’s a good time to be gentle with yourself and release all the expectations of finding the perfect present or cooking the perfect Christmas meal. Maybe you can’t catch up with your friends – so make it a new year get together instead of one that is pre-Christmas. The other things to remember are to engage your inner child and to laugh. As the days as getting longer here, I have been spending some time outside playing with the dogs before we head in for dinner. Chevelle loves to fetch the ball and is getting really good at bringing it back to me. I enjoy this time outside as the heat and humidity has usually settled down by then and the sky is still a little bit light. Then I get to watch the dogs run around and enjoy themselves. It’s a win-win. I’m lucky in that whenever I take myself too seriously, usually one or other of the dogs will help me remember how to laugh. What if the greatest gift that you could give family and friends this year was to be fully present with them.
The other thing that can come up at this time of year is guilt. As we get towards the end of the year, people often reflect on the year that was. That can bring up the ‘could have/ should have/ would have/s’ of regret and judgement. Once again this is a time to be gentle with yourself. You do yourself, and your family, no favours by going into guilt and regret. (Yes I am speaking from experience here). Laughter is the best antidote that I know to this. For me, once I laugh, then I can transform the energy and it doesn’t have the same hold on me. Having trouble finding something to laugh at? Well, my animals normally help me out there. But you could read a funny book, or watch a funny movie/ video. Do whatever you have to do to make yourself laugh. The world needs your lightness and love – not your judgement and depression.
If you are going through a challenging time this Christmas and feeling stressed and burnt out, animal wisdom can help. Animals are a mirror to us. They can shine a light on places where we are not in alignment with our true self of joy and love. For December, I have a special gift, book a 15 minute Animal Wisdom session for $0 (a saving of $40). To book, go to the link below;-
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and a joy filled 2025.
Davina helps you to have better relationships with your whole family – including the furred family members. This helps you to have a more harmonious and fun life. To find out more go to:-
https://thepetenergytherapy.com
To book a session, go to my website.
Barbara Brewster
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