How to RESPOND to the Chaos of the Season
We all dream that our holidays will run smoothly and efficiently, but the nature of the season has a way of conjuring both chaos and reactive behavior (from us and those around us).
We’re not just pulled in multiple directions… we have extra things on our “ To Do” list, and they feel more like people-pleasing than what we really WANT to do.
Sometimes we feel so much pressure in the moment that our actions become more reactive than responsive. Can you relate?
This can leave us feeling exhausted and even a tinge… resentful.
Whether you’re the chaos creator or just caught in the fray, the best way to strategically take your power back is this:
NAME the potential triggers
CLAIM your integrity
REFRAME your holiday “To Do” list with an intention that is both realistic & fulfilling
I know, it’s easier said than done… especially when everyone around you is reacting like their hair is on fire!
That’s why I’m sharing some ideas to help you manage the inevitable chaos of the holiday season -
#1. Stand firmly in a kind-but-clear HELL NO!
NO is a complete sentence! Say it at least once a week this month, and maybe more. Going overboard to please others during the holidays (or anytime) is a direct path to stress and overwhelm. Avoid over-scheduling by prioritizing what’s most important to you and those closest to you (in advance), and then keep your promise to yourself.
Need a new mantra? "I will do less so I can enjoy more."
#2. Connect with your WHY.
Some situations spiral out of control, because we haven’t taken the time to focus on our WHY. But you’ll get better results if you’re proactive, not reactive.
Sometimes we just do things, and we don’t even question why we’re doing them! But when we take time to be intentional, asking “Why do I want this?” or, “Why am I doing this?”, we can begin to shape our experiences into more enjoyable ones.
This is how we CLAIM our core values.
#3. Let go of the little things.
When everyone else is in panic mode, you can’t afford to waste valuable energy on trivial issues. So what if the house is a little messy and there’s nothing to eat for dinner? It’s not the end of the world.
REFRAME your focus away from controlling little outcomes and release expectations. This is how you become present to the people who matter most.
How? Give yourself a beat to NAME your reactive emotions so you can identify the simplicity of the problem and resourcefully solve it. (This might mean ordering takeaway, kindly saying “Hell No,” or scheduling cleaning service).
Giving yourself time to process the chaos around you will allow you to savor your precious internal resources and calmly confront the significant issues that matter more.
#4. Smile, the show must go on!
Even when sh*t hits the fan, attitude is half the battle… especially in a chaotic situation.
High-stress teams, who deal in trauma and emergencies, use humor to maintain their cool and their humanity. They don’t dismiss the seriousness of the situation, but they smile in a sincere (not fake) manner and prioritize one critical task at a time.
With a simple, honest smile, you can put yourself and others at ease and focus on righting the ship rather than managing frantic emotions.
#5. Get curious.
Can you remain open to learning without being attached to the outcome? When you focus on the resources or choices that are available (rather than what isn’t available), your perspective can expand.
Being open-minded, especially in chaotic situations, helps you assess the situation so you can get creative and tackle the problem with a new understanding. If learning is occurring, even mistakes, wrong turns, and muddy messes have a silver lining!
#6. Claim some self-sovereignty by remembering to practice self-care.
Whether you’re curating an intimate gathering or preparing for a house full of guests, remember to set aside time to nourish yourself. For starters, gift yourself the structure of your typical routine, including exercise and drinking enough water.
Whether it’s meditation, reading, or taking a solitary walk around the block, make time to reflect, reset, and replenish your internal energy resources. Inhale. Exhale. Repeat.
And although tempting, try not to indulge in too much coffee, alcohol, or rich tastes. These can lead to overconsumption, dehydration, and the unwelcome chatter of your inner critic’s judgment.
"Chaos is the score in which reality is written.”
Henry Miller
Your secret to REFRAMING holiday chaos is to practice saying “hell no” more often, genuinely connecting to your why, remaining curious, and smiling through the hard moments.
There’s magic, learning, and miracles happening…
Wishing you health, happiness, and a little less chaos this December!
💫 Andrea
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P.S. Whenever you’re ready to take the next steps along YOUR path to a well-lived life, I’ve got a handful of resources to help -
1. What is your leading leadership energy? Every person, regardless of gender identity, possesses both feminine and masculine energies and the capacity to integrate these two sides of their wholeness.
Do you know whether you lean toward masculine OR feminine energy in your leadership roles? Take this 5-minute quiz and find out!
2. Grab my best-selling book: Name, Claim & Reframe. Learn how to align with your divine feminine ingenuity by releasing the age-old belief that the strong need to become warring Warriors. My 3-step strategy will help you gracefully navigate your path to a well-lived life (and this book is a great place to start!)
3. Join me for an upcoming Name, Claim & Reframe Salon. Like a mock-tail party for the mind, each themed salon invites you to gather and discuss new ideas to expand your thinking about self-power. These LIVE workshop events will help you practice and implement the Name, Claim & Reframe Method - one step at a time!