How to Have More Fun on Family Vacations and at Holiday Meals
Family vacations and holidays are very often challenging.
We are so excited about seeing and spending time with our loved ones.
And then - everyone shows up with different ideas, personalities, likes and dislikes.
There is tension around choices and decisions.
I have learned through coaching and mindfulness that setting an intention is the secret for me enjoy to find joy in family vacations.
What would peace do?
What would connection do?
What would love do?
Other Helpful Tips
Don’t have “a manual” for the vacation or anyone on it. Vacations are usually filled with manuals of what “should” happen —- expectations of the trip and others. They usually lead to disappointment.
Allow everyone to be themselves. Exactly as they are. When your brain goes back to its old habits of judging and wanting them to be different, choose to opt out.
Show up with curiosity. I wonder why?
Do "what love would do" at every inflection point.
Choose loving amusement whenever possible.
Notice your painful/problematic habitual thoughts. Thoughts that are making the vacation less fun for you are “expensive.” Opting out when they arise and/or choosing telling a different story is a better option.
Have an abundant mindset. Notice what’s great, fabulous, and amazing instead of what's not. Shifting your attention from what needs fixing to what is going well is a powerful tool for enjoyment.
Do what you want to do rather than trying to please everyone.
Focus your attention on what would make you happy and fill your own cup.
Instead of waiting for others to anticipate your wants or agree on a plan, plan what you wanted and ask for what I wanted. This will inspire others to do the same.
Practice presence. Stay in the moment.
Pause and breathe A LOT.
Notice how you are feeling - with curiosity instead of judgment. Allow it rather than resist it. It will pass.
Don’t try to control anything.
Don’t resist reality.
Detach from the outcome.
More calm, peace, connection, love, and joy await you and everyone else sharing vacation and holidays with you.
May this help some of you enjoy a happy, healthier, and more peaceful Thanksgiving week.