The Twelve Ways of Christmas

Twelve Ways of Christmas

In the run up to the festive season life can be stressful. So, make sure you give yourself some self-care in the run up to the big day.

Compassion is one of the most powerful and healing gifts we can give to ourselves as well as others and self- compassion allows us to have a balanced approach to our thoughts.

In hypnotherapy we do that when we are in a relaxed and peaceful state of mind.  It helps us to treat ourselves with understanding and kindness.

It’s a comfort to know that suffering and feelings of personal inadequacy are part of the human experience. So, it’s common to feel resistance to receiving compassion…but it’s also important that we understand it.

There is no link between self-compassion and selfishness! When you are kind to yourself, you’re then able to be much more open to show kindness and understanding for others.

So, to help you through this festive season here are my ‘Twelve Ways of Christmas’…

 

First Way of Christmas

Stop All Criticism – Criticism never changes a thing. Refuse to criticise yourself and others. Accept yourself exactly as you are. Everybody changes, but when you criticise yourself your changes are negative. But when you realise your strengths and achievements and approve of yourself, your changes are positive.

 

Second Way of Christmas

Forgive Yourself – Let the past go. You did the best you could at the time with the understanding, awareness and knowledge that you had. Now with more information to hand you can grow and change and live life differently.

 

Third Way of Christmas

Don’t Scare Yourself – Stop terrorising yourself with your own thoughts. It’s a dreadful way to live. Find a mental image that gives you pleasure and immediately switch your scary thought to a pleasant thought.

 

Fourth Way of Christmas

Be Gentle, Kind and Patient with Yourself – Treat yourself as someone you really love like a baby, a child or a pet.

Fifth Way of Christmas

Be Kind to Your Mind – Self hatred is only your own thoughts. Don’t hate yourself for having the thought. Gently change your thoughts. It’s only a thought and thoughts can be changed.

 

Sixth Way of Christmas

Praise Yourself – Criticism breaks down the inner spirit. Praise builds it up. Praise yourself as much as you can. Tell yourself how well you are doing with every little thing.

 

Seventh Way of Christmas

Support Yourself – Find ways to support yourself. Reach out to friends and loved ones. Allow them to help you. It is a sign of strength to ask for help when you need it.

 

Eight Way of Christmas

Be Loving to your Negatives – Acknowledge that you created them to fill a need and now you are finding new positive ways to fill those needs. So, lovingly release the old negative patterns.

 

Ninth Way of Christmas

Undo Negative Learning – Let go of the story of who we THINK we are, so we can have an experience of who we really are. Forgive our past and let go of everything we thought we believed about ourselves.

 

Tenth Way of Christmas

Take Care of your Body – Learn about nutrition. What kind of fuel does your body need to have optimum vitality and energy?  Learn about exercise. What kind of exercise do you enjoy? Cherish the body you live in.

 

Eleventh Way of Christmas

Love Yourself – Do it now! Don’t wait until you lose the weight, or get the new job, or feel well. Do it now!

 

Twelfth Way of Christmas

Remember the Things That Gave You Joy as a Child – Incorporate them into your life now. Find a way to have fun in everything you do. Let yourself express the joy of living. Smile, laugh, rejoice and the world rejoices with you.

Don’t forget, these ‘Twelve Ways’ don’t have to be just for Christmas…but for life!

Wishing you Peace and Joy this Christmas and a Happy New Year!