ADAA Blog: A Holiday Emotional Guide in Rhyme

[ADAATeamRachel]

‘Twas the night before Christmas and all through my head

Emotions were stirring, many that I dread

In the midst of the holiday season,

It’s important to examine the reason.

What’s going on with what we’re feeling?

With what do we need to be dealing?

Happiness, love, and joy are easy,

But what about what makes us queasy?

Don’t believe everything you think,

And don’t avoid it all with drink.

Paying attention to our emotions can be a map,

But ignoring them can be a trap.

We offer a guide for the difficult memories in our book.

If you need a hand, please take a look.

Making Meaning of Difficult Experiences is a self-help way

To help you towards a better day.

Difficult times we must all get through.

We wish you what you need to be the best you.

We wish you a meaningful holiday season and the wisdom and strength to achieve what you need.

These skills are further described in Dr. Rothbaum's book: Making Meaning of Difficult Experiences: A Self-Guided Program. Find the book here: adaa.org/node/7082

See the blog here: adaa.org/learn-from-us/from...

[fauxartist]

Thank you for posting this overall coverage of emotions many deal with and go through during the holidays. Even though we may have not had great holiday memories, and still deal with lots of stuff around holiday gatherings....we have to remember to keep our emotions safe, do what you need to do to change those old tapes, and create your own new happier memories ...your not obligated to anyone...I don't care who it is... if your in a toxic situation, things stay the same....it's up to us to change things that just keep us in a bad place. Some people are sicker than others, and just because they are considered family, does not mean you have to subject yourself to unhealthy situations. Make new memories, surround yourself with people that make you feel good about yourself and give yourself permission to enjoy the holidays....family is anyone who loves you unconditionally, they don't have to be blood related...in Hawaii it's called 'Ohana'....extended family.

In Hawaiian culture, Ohana represents not just immediate relatives but also extended family, close friends, and even the community at large. It reflects a sense of interconnectedness, emphasizing that we are all part of a larger family unit.

We can have that here...with love and acceptance...