Topic Tuesday // How do you support yourself through the festive season // Tues 11 Dec, 7pm AEDT

[BlueBay]

@Robert_Lifeline@Former-Member

Im actually scared. 

Lots of fear thst something will go wrong or they will cancel last minute which will then mean being abandoned 

[Robert_Lifeline]

@BlueBay@utopia

That is great that you have the ocean to go to - I think nature can be very therapeutic.

I wanted to say also that self-care does not need to be complicated, it should be easily carried out and activities that work for you and bring you a sense of joy or peace, or at least just feeling better emotionally.

[Adge]

Hi everyone.

Thanks for the reminder tag.

So sorry I'm late.

Adge

[Shaz51]

Worse when there is someone there who asks you what you do - eg: for a job or activity etc and I just say "nothing " --- yes totally @utopia , everyone asks " how is work going" @Robert_Lifeline

[Former-Member]

Familiar with this fear. You are not alone, and are worthy either way  @BlueBay

[Jumpingcactus]

@Robert_Lifeline@Former-Member So was I. The festive season came up in our chat. Over the last month I have felt very anxious about Christmas that it has actually raised my blood pressure. I’m not interested in Christmas and hurts that I usually enjoyed it. I just keep telling myself I’ll get through it, it’s only one day, you’ll survive, so will definitely be a day where I count down the hours til it’s over.

[Dave1977]

So true! I find now I’ve returned to regular part time work for the first time in over a decade, all my parents do is ask how work is or if I’ll be going full time soon, as though the job is the only thing that gives me meaning or worth.

[utopia]

When Christmas has been here in town,  in the past,  I've stepped away for an hour and headed up to my mountain.  Meditation and grounding helped.  Then I'd go back to the party. 

This year Christmas lunch is far away,  so I won't be able to disappear for an hour.  But maybe I could just take a walk in the street - away from the merriment. 

[Shaz51]

@BlueBay, @utopia

I have cancelled  lot of times at the last minute as mr shaz does not want to go @Robert_Lifeline, @Former-Member

[Robert_Lifeline]

@Jumpingcactus@Dave1977@Shaz51@Former-Member@Former-Member

I'm sorry if I am missing anyone!...

I can hear the pressure that a few of you feel so intensely. I am wondering about boundaries. Your boundaries are your own so you can decide where they start and end. For instance, when someone asks, 'What do you do for a living', do you have to answer them?

Can you deflect the question by saying (just a thought!), 'Oh, I am relaxing at this time of the year and don't like talking about work' - or how can you set your boundaries in other ways?