Category: Miscellaneous

5 Simple Steps to Cutting Your Holiday Stress

~ Marie Blair ~ 1 Comment

Is Holiday Stress Inevitable?

The holidays can be stressful! And they’re starting earlier and earlier every year, like in September, have you noticed?

That means that the stress can start earlier as well.

I searched the internet for “holiday stress” to find advice. The articles I came across were more about what to do once you’re already stressed out, rather than how to avoid the stress in the first place. But it doesn’t’ have to be that way!

We can reduce the holiday stress by doing a few simple things before the holidays run us over!

Some simple preparation and focusing on what’s most important will go a long way to preventing that anxiety from taking the joy out of the season!

5 Steps to Cutting Holiday Stress

5 Simple Steps To Cutting Your Holiday Stress:

Step #1 → Remember the Reason for the Season

Whether you’re celebrating Hanukkah, Christmas or some other special day, remember why. It’s not really about gifts, parties or food!

Christians are celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, on Christmas. He was born over 2000 years ago in an ordinary stable in a small town and laid in the animals’ feeding trough to sleep. Though he was King of Kings, he came as a humble child.

This scene of peace is meant to point us to the Savior of the world. We celebrate his birth because of what his coming to earth meant for the world – salvation. Not just at Christmas, but always.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. (Luke 2:1)

Whichever reason for the season means the most to you, if you keep it in the forefront of your mind, the stress of the season is less likely to overwhelm.

Step #2 → Schedule Family Times First

Schedule dates for your own family traditions and gatherings before committing to other holiday events. That way, it’s less likely these cherished family events don’t get pushed out by a company party you have to attend or a church volunteering commitment.

Your children will treasure these special family times forever!

You might also be interested in my 20 Fun and Meaningful Holiday Family Traditions for some ideas for memories you can create.

Step #3 → Schedule Outside Events After Family Events

  • Make sure everyone in the family is aware of the schedule, so you don’t overbook and stress out!
  • Post a physical calendar in a common location, so it’s in plain view every day.

I found a fun calendar that’s also super practical: Sandra Boynton’s Mom’s Family Calendar.

The days are in horizontal lines, instead of little squares, giving plenty of room to add everyone’s important happenings!

Click here for a closer look!

Mom’s Family Wall Calendar 2019 – $9.98

Here are some of the activities that you might need to add to your calendar during the holidays:

  • Parties with friends
  • School productions
  • School parties
  • Special religious services
  • Volunteering
  • Work-related parties
  • Vacation days
  • Extended family gatherings and more!

Step #4 → Prepare Meals Ahead and Freeze Them for Busy Nights

Make a double batch of dinner for several nights and freeze half. Then all you have to do is defrost!

If you really want to get ahead, make a couple of weeks or a month’s worth and glide right through the holidays!

Here’s a super popular cookbook that takes it to that next level. You can see more here.

Not Your Mother's Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook Revised and Expanded Edition by [Fisher, Jessica]
Not Your Mother’s Make-Ahead and Freeze Cookbook

Step #5 → Give Yourself a Break!

Add relaxation, rest and rejuvenation into your schedule.

  • Schedule time that isn’t focused on the season. Not everything has to be holiday-themed! Take a break.
  • Exercise. It’s a stress-reducer, especially if you can get outside and enjoy the fresh air and beauty around you at the same time.
  • Don’t trade sleep for tasks. Your body needs good rest to replenish its stores of energy. Pare down the schedule if it’s interfering.
  • Eat well. We sometimes grab what’s in front of us when we’re busy and it’s usually not that healthy. Keep fresh fruits, veggies and nuts around for energy-giving snacks.
  • Relax. Get a quick 15-minute shoulder and neck massage while you’re at the mall or schedule and hour! Or, click here to treat yourself to one of these so the gift just keeps giving! My son gave me one of these neck massagers this year and it’s an oasis of relaxation!
Massagers for Neck and Back with Heat  $64.95
  • Remind yourself that you’re not in a competition. In many ways, our culture has manufactured the stress of the holidays. You don’t have to participate in the race!
  • Accept that you can’t do it all. It’s just not humanly possible to accomplish everything on the to-do list before Christmas. It’s OK!
  • Enjoy! laugh and have fun as much as you can. If your kids are small, ignore their tantrums (they get stressed, too) an focus on the wonder.

Hope these 5 Simple Steps To Cutting Stress Out of Your Holidays have helped you!

If so, would you please share this post? Thank you!

See also:  20 Fun and Meaningful Holiday Family Traditions

I’d love to hear some of the ways you cut stress during holidays in the comments below.

20 Fun and Meaningful Christmas Traditions

~ Marie Blair ~ 1 Comment

One of the best things about the Christmas season is the memorable things we do year after year. Our Christmas traditions.

Large and expensive or small and free, it doesn’t matter. They are meaningful because they’re shared with those we love.

We count on our Christmas family traditions to bring us together with those who mean the most to us.

When my first son was small, we started the tradition of fixing hot cocoa, bundling up and driving around looking at the Christmas lights and decorations in our city.

I can still see the little redhead in his car seat in the back, pointing in awe while taking an occasional sip of his lukewarm cocoa from his sippy cup.

When our second son arrived, he joined in. His first word was “light”, which came out more like “ight” and he, too, marveled at the “ights” at Christmas.

Truth be told, a couple of decades later, we’re still doing the drive. I make the cocoa or we go to the local coffee shop and get it. Either way, it’s a tradition. We’re just waiting for the next generation to join in.

Because I love Christmas family traditions, I thought I’d offer a few ideas in case you’d like to start some of your own or add some more to your list!

20 Fun and Meaningful Christmas Traditions

20 Christmas Traditions

#1- Cut your own Christmas tree and then go to a great family restaurant

When I was a kid, we lived not far from hundreds of tree farms. After we’d choose our tree, we’d eat dinner at a restaurant called Negri’s. It’s an old school Italian restaurant which has been in operation since 1943.

What wow’d me as a child was that they serve 1/2 ducks. Plus you also got minestrone, a mixed green salad, antipasto, ravioli, salami and French bread. My Italian genes (20% according to Ancestry) were in heaven!

The warm memory of those incredible meals after choosing the perfect tree is one of my best childhood memories.

#2 – DIY Christmas decorations party

Invite the neighbors and have a DIY decorations party. Even the littlest ones can join in with a little preparation!

Check out this fun felt wall hanging Christmas tree with ornaments and gifts that the children stick on themselves! So adorable! You can get a closer look here.

Felt Christmas Tree with 30 Ornaments $15.99

#3 – Hang lights in each child’s bedroom

Kids love having their own rooms decorated for the season.

Aren’t these star curtain lights fun?! Accent lights add a warm ambience to any room and they’re so much easier than hanging outdoor lights if you just want that festive feeling!

Plus, they are perfect to keep up all year! Check them out here.

Twinkle Star 12 Stars 138 LED Curtain String Lights, Window Curtain Lights with 8 Flashing Modes Decoration Christmas, Wedding, Party, Home, Patio Lawn, Warm White
Twinkle Star Window Curtain Lights $22.99

#4 – Cuddle up for a Christmas movie night with popcorn (to string or eat!)

Before you could buy movies for home use, we’d have to wait all year to watch our favorite Christmas movies. Hard to believe!

Now they’re just a click away on Amazon Prime Video.  Here are my favorites (click to download):

Elf

The Santa Claus 

The Polar Express

A Charlie Brown Christmas

And of course, The Grinch Who Stole Christmas.

Be the first to get the new “Illumination Presents: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch” by PREORDERING!

Click here for details.

Illumination Presents: Dr. Seuss' The Grinch
Illumination Presents: Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch DVD $19.99

#5 – Wrap gifts together add one thing you appreciate about the recipient on the tag

We normally wrap a gift and write the simple “To” and “From” tag without much thought. How about adding one thing you appreciate about the recipient?

#6 – Christmas light display drive – with hot chocolate in hand

This is one of my favorite traditions that never expires! My 22 year old still comes with us after doing it for his whole life!

Get your hot chocolate and find the most beautiful displays in your neighborhood.

Here’s a great homemade hot chocolate recipe from Martha Stewart. It’s yummy!

#7 – Go to the movie theater as a family (the best movies come out this time of year)

Some of the very best family movies are released at the holidays. Gather the clan and enjoy the show!

#8 – Watch a live production of The Nutcracker ballet and have tea after

There’s nothing like a live performance of any play, opera or ballet! The Nutcracker is blessed with an incomparable musical score as well. Take the kids and then go have a spot of tea afterwards!

#9 – Ice skate outdoors in the big city nearest you

It doesn’t really get icy in San Francisco, the largest city near us, but every year they form an ice rink downtown for skating. You can skate in relatively warm weather (in the 50’s) around here!

There’s something about going into the city at the holidays with the big department stores all decked out that makes for a memorable experience! Even if you don’t skate, it’s a worthwhile outing.

#10 – Join the local church for Christmas caroling or have your own sing-along

It’s so much fun surprising your neighbors with Christmas carols wafting down the street. This time of year most folks will answer their doors. I’ve even been invited inside! Lots of fun for the whole family.

 

The holidays can be stressful along with all the fun!

Check out this post:

5 Simple Steps to Cutting Your Holiday Stress

 

#11 – Volunteer at a toy drive distribution or wrapping

When the fire department holds toy drives, they often need help wrapping the gifts.  Why not join in? This is an easy activity and it connects us to our community.

#12 – Serve meals at the local homeless shelter

Serving food to those who have less than we do is wonderful to do with the older children in your house. It will teach them service and gratitude.

There is nothing like getting a little more persona with those that we sometimes just pass by on the street corner.

#13 – Read A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens

A Christmas Carol is the quintessential, classic Christmas story that everyone should read (besides seeing the movie)!

It gives us the lessons of appreciating what we have, those who love us and teaches us about the blessings of generosity.

This edition of A Christmas Carol is just released and includes holiday recipes from some favorite chefs:

Giada de Laurentiis, Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, and Trisha Yearwood!

Click here to get a closer look.

Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol: A Book-to-Table Classic (Puffin Plated)
Charles Dickens’s A Christmas Carol: A Book-to-Table Classic Hardcover $16.09

#14 – Read the Christmas story together on Christmas eve

Here’s a favorite Usborne Nativity Flap Book to give kids 3+ an introduction to the Nativity, the birth of Christ.

Click Here to see this title.

See many more books in for every age and interest at my bookshop: www.blaircottagebooks.com.

Picture of Nativity Flap Book

#15 – Go to the grocery store together, choose non-perishable foods and drop them off at your local food bank

Children love to make their own choices and what better than to have them choose food to give to others this year?

Even a three-year-old can choose food for those in need. Buy canned goods, rice, beans and other staples.

#16 – Camp out under the Christmas tree

Since camping is out of the question during the winter months, why not haul out the sleeping bags and camp out under the Christmas tree one night?

The twinkling lights will act like night lights to make it feel safe. If the younger ones get scared, they can always crawl into their cozy beds.

#17- Set up a nativity scene and talk about each piece

Purchase a nativity set with the stable, Mary, Joseph, baby Jesus, the animals and shepherds.

Set up the scene and discuss the significance of each piece for a lesson in the true meaning of Christmas. This set I found is one of the loveliest I’ve seen.

It will be treasured for years to come with its 16 detailed figures and stable and even the gold, frankincense and myrrh!

Click here for details.

Deluxe Edition 16 Piece 10 Inch Christmas Nativity Set with Real Frankincense Gold and Myrrh.

#18 – Take a photo with Santa – with the entire family

Why should the kids get all the fun? As long as you’re all waiting in that long line, you might as well get in the picture.

Besides, it’s one way to be sure you get your yearly family portrait!

#19 – Listen to a live performance of Handel’s Messiah

Anyone who has been to hear Handel’s Messiah will attest to the heavenly experience it is.

A bit long for younger children (under eight), but it is a unique opportunity for older children to hear classical music at its finest with the spirit of Advent theme.

Local choirs usually put on a performance during December.

#20 – Attend a Christmas Eve or other service at a different place of worship than your own

I have clear memories of our midnight mass on Christmas eve at our Catholic church in the neighborhood where I grew up.

It was the only time I ever stayed up that late! Which meant it was a special occasion, for sure.

There was a hush over the congregation as the priest read the gospel story of Jesus’ birth.

We now attend a church that is much different, but occasionally I like to visit somewhere different and be reminded that there are many ways to worship.

Whatever your Christmas traditions, may they bring your family closer together, give them a sense of community and teach them more about their faith.

Please share this post if it’s been helpful to you!  

I’d love to hear about your own family traditions in the comments below!

10 Things to Say to Preschoolers to Give Them Courage and Confidence

~ Marie Blair ~ 1 Comment

If you know preschool children, you know that they naturally love to explore and discover. That’s one of the things that make them so lovable.

Everything with them is new and exciting.

10 Things to Say to Preschoolers 1

But they can quickly lose this sense of adventure when they encounter challenging, unfamiliar situations unless they have grownups around them who coach them through and show them they can do it!

It’s a scary thought, but the way we communicate with our children in these sensitive moments could be the key to their sense of self-confidence for the rest of their lives.

If we are equipped with what to say in sensitive, childhood learning moments as well as everyday moments, we are preparing to launch brave, happy, confident people into the world.

In the first 5 years, many vital milestones occur in children.

Psychologist Erik Erikson developed a theory about stages of human psychosocial development. The first three stages he explains are from infancy through the preschool years.

The first stage is Trust vs. Mistrust

Caretakers, by their treatment of a child under the age of two, teach the child that people are trustworthy or not. This gives the child a basic sense of security or insecurity.

The second stage is Autonomy vs. Shame

This stage takes place up to about four years of age. A child raised well in the first years will develop a sense of assurance, control and independence.

The third stage is Initiative vs. Guilt

In this stage, through the preschool years, the child learns to engage in imaginative play, cooperate with others, lead and follow well.

When fear and shame are predominant emotions, the child will instead be restricted in play skills, may hang back and not participate with others and continue earlier levels of extreme dependence on the parent.

If you’d like to read more about the psychosocial stages, you can buy his book, The Lifecycle Completed, by clicking this link. (By the way, as an Amazon associate, I earn with purchases at no extra charge to you).

If the adults in a child’s life can foster security, self-assurance and courage in children, we will be setting them up for future success.

10 Things to Say to Preschoolers

to Give Them Courage and Confidence

Here are 10 major areas where we can affirm, encourage and instruct our children.

If we use phrases like these in these early years, preschoolers will develop the courage and confidence to move out into their new adventures knowing they have what it takes!

1 – Security – let them know they are safe – it’s the foundation for their growing independence.

Say this: You are safe. Mommy and Daddy love you and will always take good care of you.

2 – Confidence – remind them of past successes and assure them they can succeed in new circumstances.

Say this: You can do this! Remember when you went to the play group and did great?

3 – Individuality – let them know they are unique and specially gifted.

Say this: You are such a friendly kid! You’ll be good at making new friends.

4 – Support – let them know you will always be rooting for them.

Sat this: No matter what, I will always be there when you need me.

5 – Emotions – let them know that their feelings are normal and then help them work through them.

Say this: I can see you’re feeling angry right now. I can understand why. It’s hard for us when we don’t get what we want.

6 – Choices – Even when they can’t have what they want, making a choice gives them a sense of freedom and power.

Say this: We’re not having candy right now. You may have cheese or apple slices. Which would you prefer?

7 – Responsibility – let them know that their choices have consequences.

Say this: You can get your blocks out, but you will need to put them away when you’re done.

8 – Creativity – let them know their special, unique creativity is noticed and appreciated. Pick out one or two particular aspects of their work and praise them for it.

Say this: I love the combination of colors you chose for the feathers in your painting.

9 – Character – let them know when you see their positive character traits. We often only acknowledge misbehavior. Catch your kids acting right and point it out.

Say this: You were very kind to share your favorite toy.

10 – Worthiness – let them know that what they do and who they are is worth your time and attention, even if you can’t stop everything and pay attention right now.

Say this: I really want to see your tower of blocks. It’s important to me. I’ll come take a look at it in (5) minutes.

 

Here are some books and add-ons that help preschool children with a positive self-concept. Click on the title for more information.

Jonathan James and the Whatif Monster by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt. Helps kids face new and sometimes scary situations with confidence.

Whatif Monster Plush Toy Companion to the book, this stuffed Whatif Monster is for kids to tell their fears and worries to.

Cordelia by Michelle Nelson-Schmidt. Lets kids know they are capable.

Cordelia Doll Companion to Cordelia story to remind kids that they can do it like Cordelia did!

I Love You Hoo by Rachel Bright. Sweet read aloud expressing love for children just the way they are.

You Are A Star by Ariella Abolaffio. Encouraging read aloud to instill a positive sense of self.

Here are some books to help grownups understand and communicate better with their kids. Click on the title for more information.

The Lifecycle Completed, by Erik H. Erikson. Understanding child development is important to parenting.

How to Talk so Little Kids Will Listen: A Survival Guide to Life with Children Ages 2-7, by Joanna Faber and Julie King. Teaches parents positive communication skills that will get results.

Preschoolers Are Ready and Willing Adventurers and We Can Help

Preschool children love to venture out and try new things, but they need grownups around them that give them a strong foundation and cheer them on as they go.

The messages we send them, verbal or otherwise, become the foundation upon which they build their sense of self for a lifetime.

Children are subconsciously asking these questions all the time:

Am I safe?

Am I lovable?

Am I important?

Am I enough?

Let’s do everything in our power to make sure that they can answer those questions with a big “Yes”!

What are some of the ways that you instill confidence in your kids? I’d love to hear in the comments below!

If you enjoyed this post, please share and follow. Thanks!

 

Hope for Unhappy Stay at Home Moms

~ Marie Blair ~ Leave a comment

You have the greatest job on earth and you know it.

Most days.

Other days, you’d rather just stay in bed and pull the covers over your head, screaming silently (or aloud!), “Leave me alone!!”

But, of course, you don’t stay in bed. Precious little ones are putting their adorable faces right up to yours and saying, “Mommy, I’m hungry” or your infant is crying.

Commitment and instinct rule the day and you drag yourself into the bathroom to start the all-too-familiar routine over again.

You brush your teeth, throw your hair into a pony tail, wash your face, don some jeans and a t-shirt and wonder when you’ll be able to fit in time for a shower. Taking a long, hot shower has become the extent of luxury in your life.

Before you know it, you’ve put in your first load of laundry, fixed a quick breakfast for the kids and now you’re sweeping Cheerios off the floor.

That’s how you begin another exhausting day of meals, cleaning, wiping rear ends and noses.

There is also another battle going on. The one that can’t be seen.

I chose this life.

I know it’s best.

I love my kids.

But…

I’m bored and frustrated.

I feel undervalued and unappreciated.

I feel guilty for taking it out on my kids.

How dare I be down when I’m so blessed?

I don’t want to give up.

I can’t give up.

But how can I continue when I’m so unhappy?

 

Our Challenge

Some days are easier than others. There are plenty of days when our hearts are full, and all is well. But even then, there can linger an underlying sense that we are missing out on something that a job outside the home would give us.

Many stay-at-home moms feel undervalued and unappreciated by society and maybe even by their family and friends.

Those who had a high-paying, prestigious job before deciding to stay home might miss the daily, positive feedback they received. There are no paychecks, glowing annual reviews, raises or Christmas bonuses for a stay-at-home mom.

For others, the unknown can be just as trying. “What if I had a career instead of this. Maybe I need to get out there and make something more of myself.”

There’s little positive feedback. That’s why leaving the home can be so tempting.

The Hidden Issue

I don’t think our choice of vocation or the lack of positive feedback is the real problem. Even moms that our culture applauds for succeeding as “go-out-and-work” moms can feel inadequate, and many do!

The cause of our discontent is not found in what we’re doing.

It’s found in what we think about ourselves while we’re doing it.

Long before we have children and decide to care for them full time at home, we can have an underlying feeling of not being good enough.

This year I’ve been looking at my childhood as I’m working through some negative self-perceptions that I’ve carried around all my life.

My dad was a fun-loving Irishman with a great sense of humor and he loved his family. However, I’m seeing now that he lacked the good communication and parenting skills that would have made me feel valued and important.

When I was four years old, my dad decided that I would no longer go with my mom when she went shopping. He thought I was getting spoiled.

My mom has a memory of me standing on our porch, crying as she drove away. It must have been hard for her, too. But she didn’t argue with my dad. I remember feeling scared, confused and alone.

If my dad had taken me inside and played a game or read a book with me, it might have lessened the sting of rejection. But he was not that type of dad.

So, I was left standing there on the porch believing I’m spoiled (I’m sure I had no idea what that meant), something is wrong with me and whatever was going on, it was all my fault.

Circumstances like this root deep into the minds of children who naturally lack the maturity to process them in a way that prevents those negative perceptions of themselves. They hear:

“I’m bad.”

“Something is wrong with me.”

“I have to be better so that dad will be happy with me.”

Those are the messages that we take with us as we grow up. We keep trying to prove our worth by performing to win approval. We hope it will make us feel better about ourselves.

We finally realize after wearing ourselves out, that no matter how well we perform, it doesn’t seem to take away the sense that we don’t quite cut it.

The Healing

I recently read a book called The Soul of Shame by Curt Thompson, M.D.  It’s full of insight into the areas of the brain, shame, unworthiness and how to heal.

Dr. Thompson explains how our brains are literally wired when we are children in response to the way we are treated. If we’re not validated by the people closest to us, even before we were born, we internalize shame and lack of self-worth.

The great news is that our brains can be rewired by replacing the negative thinking with the positive. It’s simple, but not necessarily easy and won’t happen overnight. However, it’s worth it!

One of the reasons that I love children is because they are naturally unashamed, full of love and free. I want to be that way, don’t you?

There’s hope! We can restore that childlikeness that makes every day an adventure and turns work into play. It’s never too late.

First, start by replacing the destructive recordings in our mind with these truths:

  • I am specially created by God.
  • I am and always have been worthy of love and appreciation just for being me.
  • I am and have always been more than enough.
  • I am a gift to the world.

Next, consider finding a qualified pastor or therapist to help you work through some of the shame and hurt in your life. It can hide just about anywhere and uncovering it can be the start of a life-changing healing process.

Third, consider getting these books to help you on your journey. They helped me and I know they could help you, too.

The Soul of Shame, Curt Thompson, M.D. Rewrite the story of your life and embrace healing and wholeness as you discover and defeat shame’s insidious agenda.

The Anatomy of the Soul, Curt Thompson, M.D.  An amazing journey to discover the surprising pathways for transformation hidden inside your own mind.

Shame Interrupted, Edward T. Welch, PhD. Look at Jesus through the lens of shame and see how the marginalized and worthless are his favorites and become his people. God cares for the shamed. Through Jesus you are covered, adopted, cleansed, and healed.

Healing the Child Within, Charles L. Whitfield, M.D. Healing the Child Within describes how the inner child is lost to trauma and loss, and how by recovering it, we can heal the fear, confusion and unhappiness of adult life.

A Gift to Myself: A Personal Workbook and Guide to Healing the Child Within, Charles L. Whitfield, M.D. Using numerous experiential exercises that the reader can do at their own pace, physician and author Charles Whitfield takes us on a healing journey into our inner and outer life.

Stay-at-home mom, you truly are doing the most important, valuable, impactful vocation there is on earth, no matter what anyone else says.

I wish you well on your journey, dear one, and I’m rooting for you!

Feel free to contact me directly by clicking the Contact tab or leave a comment below. I’d love to hear your stories.

If this post has been helpful to you, would you share it? Thanks!

How to Be Free to Be You This Thanksgiving

~ Marie Blair ~ Leave a comment

My bloodline is filled with men and women who lived and breathed their passion and determination to be free.

They didn’t just complain about their state of affairs, like I’ve been known to do, they nearly moved heaven and earth to change them.

William Bradford, of Plymouth Colony fame, came to our continent on the Mayflower in 1620 after suffering religious persecution in England. You know the story.

If you’d like to read the book William Bradford wrote  called Of Plymouth Plantation, you can purchase by clicking HERE. It is the primary historical document from that time.

Those early colonists must have been driven, not only by the desire to escape persecution, but a primal drive to live without any restraint, out from under tyranny.

To say it was tough in Plymouth Colony is an understatement.  Many of those who survived the treacherous sea voyage didn’t last much longer than that.

William Bradford’s wife was one who didn’t make it.

That disastrous first year was followed by many more like it, interspersed with some that were relatively calm by comparison. The Thanksgiving celebration was in gratitude to God and their new friends, the native Americans, for the bountiful harvest in 1621 which followed their first year of sickness, hunger and death.

William Bradford
William Bradford, the first governor of Plymouth, was one of 53 who survived the first winter in the New World and my 13th great grandfather.

I marvel at those colonists’ fortitude, grit, tenacity and dedication to what they believed God wanted them to do in this utterly, literally foreign land.

Find freedom.

A part of it, I’m sure, was just that they had no choice but to make it work.  Returning to England was not an option.

They were devoted to establishing a community where they could worship, work and raise their families in liberty.  Out from under the thumb of a dictatorial leader.

William Bradford is my 13th great grandfather.

As I follow the long line down our family tree to me, I find many others like him who sacrificed everything to follow their callings, their hopes, their dreams.

There was something in them, as I think there is in all of us, that screams out for freedom.

Not screaming in rebellion against God or the law of the land.  But for freedom to be who they were born to be.

We are all on this quest to one degree or another. This year I’ve finally found a place of more acceptance of myself, but I still have a long way to go.

Like the Pilgrims, I think we all long for the freedom to express the convictions and values that mean the most to us, such as freedom of religion, justice, integrity, faithfulness and hard work.

It’s usually not difficult expressing ideas that are historically in the mainstream. When we know that there are at least a few people who agree with us, it’s strengthening and emboldening.

On an another level, closer to home than our general opinions on politics or that bad call the referee made against our team on the last play, I believe we are also created to manifest those things that make us uniquely us.

Things like our tastes, preferences, gifts, talents, desires, hopes and dreams.

However, these personal aspects of ourselves are much harder to reveal to the world – at least they have been for me.

If you go deeper, below the surface, into that place where I stand alone as an individual, unlike anyone else, it can be scary and intimidating for me to expose the unique traits that make up the whole picture of who I am.

This year I started to explore that deeper part of myself and discovered a lot.

I realized that not unlike my ancestor William Bradford, I have been living under a tyranny of sorts.  Under a thumb of pressure and expectation from inside and out.

Some of it is just bad mental programming. Some is self-imposed.

At a very young age I developed what I call “survival thought patterns” that taught me to hide my true self.

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For as far back as I can remember, I didn’t feel that my opinions were valued.  I was not truly “seen” by certain important people in my life.

 

If I were to express a thought or a contrary opinion, I was bullied into shutting up or agreeing, or both.

Even as a very small child, I remember having something important to share and being laughed at, misunderstood or ignored.

My reaction to that would sometimes be to get angry because of my frustration at not being taken seriously. Not being heard. That reaction was met with angry punishment.

So, I learned to hide my true self.

I became a chronic underachiever, afraid to express my gifts for fear that they would be minimized, disdained or worse, ignored.

This year I’ve discovered these things and more about my past.

I’ve looked at the difficulty that I had processing my childhood challenges from a different perspective. I see the fallout and how the lifelong, negative, self-critical thought patterns were birthed back then.

It has been enlightening and life-changing and now, I’m ready to move on!

“I’m coming out!” as the song says, and I’m excited.

It’s not that I’m about to start showing off or flaunting anything. I’m not going crazy with it here!

I have no desire to show “the world out there” that I’m actually quite special.

It’s not about getting back at those who could have shown appreciation for my uniqueness when I was an innocent child.

All it is is this: I’m looking forward to becoming the ME God made me to be.

The me that likes to live outside the box, against the flow of current culture.

The me who is the introvert that craves solitude but also loves people.

The girl who is smart and capable and caring.

The lifelong student who loves to learn and enjoys a challenge (even when it’s scary), and has done a bunch of different stuff in her life because of that.

This freedom means breaking off and casting away the old, useless, debilitating armor that I no longer require.

Free Happy Woman Enjoying Nature. Beauty Girl Outdoor. Freedom c

It’s deprogramming my brain from the limiting thought patterns and reprogramming it with eternal ones.

Thoughts that say that I accept and believe that I have intrinsic value.

Value that is not based on performance or obedience to a tyrant for whom good enough never is.

I deeply, in my heart, accept that I am indescribably precious and treasured just because of the beautiful, gifted, unique daughter of God that I am.

There is no more comparison of myself to others, no evaluation, no self-critique.

Just acceptance of what was and what is and anticipation of what can be.

I have a new freedom this Thanksgiving and I’m grateful.  What’s true about me is true about you. I hope you find your freedom, too!

 

 

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Here are a couple of the books that have helped me tremendously on this journey and I highly recommend them!

Charles L. Whitfield, M.D., Healing the Child Within

Curt Thompson, M.D., The Soul of Shame

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