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Pets

What is the Best Pet Carrier to Buy

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

What is the best pet carrier to buy
air-travel-pet-carrierA Pet carrier that is safe and keeps your pet out of harm’s way is an ideal choice. Your home, car, or even an airplane can all board this convenient accessory. They prove to be really helpful especially for small pets. It is the best means to keep them secure from other pets thus saving them from potential harm. So, it is important that a pet owner understands how necessary and purposeful these carriers are.What is the best pet carrier to buy
There are a variety of basic attributes that the carriers must have.
1. Securely Hold Your Pet
In order for your pet to remain secure, a quality carrier should come equipped with a belt to hold the pet in place. If you are traveling in a car, a quick jolt may bang them to the floor or slide them about uneasily. Therefore, it is vital that they remain secure to avoid any unwanted accidents.
2. Protect the Car Interiors
To protect the inside of your car from getting destroyed, todays’ pet carriers come with a washable cover. These covers are practical and handy since they keep the interior of your car clean from pet hair and dirt.
3. Provides a Comfortable Ride
The pet carrier puts your pet in safe hands. In addition, you can get portable carriers equipped with handles at the top so transporting your pet is substantially easier while traveling. It decreases stress if your pet is safe and sound and relaxed as you move it from one place to another.
4. Convertible Pet Carriers
The primary reason for using a convertible pet carrier is to allow your pet to be transferred safely from one place to another. Convertible pet carriers fold down so they make great spacesavers and also ultra convenient. This makes them very practical and provides great flexibility.
5. Storage Compartments
Pet accessories can be easily organized using the storage compartments to prevent frustration when trying to locate an item for your pet. A good quality pet carrier is long lasting and serves its purpose.
Training your pets before traveling is necessary if they have never journeyed in a carrier before. Be understanding and help your pet adjust to the different and strange environment of a carrier; which may take a bit of time for them to adapt to.
As you travel on out-of-town trips, your pet will enjoy going with you. And since it doesn’t matter what size your pet is, their carrier will accommodate them comfortably. If given a choice, your pet would always prefer traveling with you in lieu of staying home alone or in the care of someone unfamiliar.
Large pet carriers become your pet’s personal lair and can comfortably accommodate your dog, cat, or rabbit while you are traveling by plane, train, or automobile. Generally, the size of the carrier should enable your pet to move freely and to fully stand inside of it. This way, your animal friends will remain preoccupied and amused throughout your long trips and prevent them from chewing items they shouldn’t have.
If you need a large pet carrier that keeps your pets secure; a wire pet crate is a good option. This carrier was made to ensure the security and comfort of your pets while presenting a practical means for you to take your precious pets everywhere you roam.
Article by David
 

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Family History

Recording Life Memories

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Recording Life Memories for your Family:

I treasure recording the life memories of my grandparents who were married 70 years. My cousin and I made a list of questions for Lucile and Richard Carr, who were born in 2014. They sat side-by-side on a couch finishing each other’s sentences and laughing at stories not often shared. I am grateful we took this oral history 10 years ago. Today it’s a gift to share their stories in their own voices with my children. Recording Life Memories for your Family

As a senior, here are some ideas to record life memories for your family:

  • Use your computer or phone to record your stories and surprise your family. You can start by just answering 1 question a day. These recordings make priceless family gifts!
  • Write letters to your children & grandchildren about your life
  • Plan a family interview at your next gathering. Let the kids interview the adults. If possible, film the experience. It’s so great to be able to see and hear from family years from now.

If you are going to conduct an interview of someone else, here are some thoughts on how best to record the stories:

Equipment Advantages Disadvantages
Paper and Pencil • Inexpensive.• Less threatening to people who are nervous about being recorded. • Impossible to record the interview word for–
word.
• Greater possibility of errors.
• Does not create an audio copy of the interviewee’s voice.
• Does not create a photo of the interviewee.
Audio Recorder • Relatively inexpensive.
• Can record the interview accurately.
• Enables immediate playback.		 • Does not create a photo of the interviewee.
• Can make it difficult to determine who is
talking during group interviews.
• Recording equipment can be intimidating
to some people.
• Recording equipment can malfunction.
Telephone Recorder • Relatively inexpensive.
• Can record the interview accurately.
• Works well for elderly people who live
far away and who do not have the
energy to talk very long.		 • Does not create a photo of the interviewee.
• Difficult to create the same rapport as faceto-
face interviews.
• Recording equipment can malfunction.
• Can be illegal if one of the persons being
recorded does not know that a recording is
being made.
Camera • Can create visual images of interviewee
as well as heirlooms.		 • Does not create an audio copy of the
interviewee’s voice.
• Requires additional equipment to
accurately record interview.
Video Recorder • Can record the interview accurately.
• Can create visual images of interviewee
as well as heirlooms.
• Enables immediate playback.		 • Expensive.
• Can be intimidating to the interviewee.
• More difficult to transcribe.
• Recording equipment can malfunction.
Digital Audio or Video Recorder • Records in digital format, which is
directly transferable to computer.
• Enables immediate playback.
• Can be easily edited electronically.
• More easily transcribed, since audio
and video tracks can be separated.		 • More expensive.
• Can be intimidating to interviewee.
• Recording equipment can malfunction.

Table From FamilySearch.com

In tomorrow’s article I will share the questions we used for interviewing my grandparents. Our hope is that you will make the time to take an oral history of someone dear in your life. It will bless you for generations to come!
Kimberly Johnson
Senior.com Staff
Twitter @SeniorOnline

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Golf

Learn How to Select the Right Golf Clubs For You

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey


shutterstock_23159950When learning how to play a sport, one of the essential components is learning what equipment you need in order to play. Golf is no different, and choosing the right clubs for you may be an overwhelming task. The first thing to understand is that purchasing a standard set of golf clubs is not the first things to do. In fact, for someone serious about learning how to play, it is highly recommended that you hold off on purchasing golf clubs until you have tried a few sets out.
 
The reason that you won’t want to purchase a “standard” set of clubs is that they are designed for a person of average build. Of course, since everyone is built slightly differently, even though you may feel that you are of an average height, your arm or leg length may differ. There variations will cause your swing to vary. It’s not far fetched to state that a set of golf clubs are as unique as the individual carrying them.
So, where to begin then? Generally speaking you should be looking for a club that is the runs the length of your navel to the floor. This will be an estimate of the size of the club you are seeking. The good news is that you don’t have to purchase multiple sets of clubs to find the set that fits you best. Most golf courses have a wide range of clubs available for rental purposes.
The reason they have these rentals available is for the beginner who is looking to find their swing, so to speak. Not only should you rent various sizes of clubs; you should also rent different brands of equipment. Again, remember that while the length of the club will matter, perhaps there is a brand that makes a club that is more comfortable than another.
First, test your swing. Rent a set of clubs and set out to the driving range. Once you find a club that allows you to swing comfortably and confidently, take that set onto the course and play a few rounds. This is the time that you will want to evaluate whether you simply purchase that brand in the length that suits you, or if you want to have a set of clubs custom built.
If you are a novice, and don’t have a strong game, it may be slightly premature to have clubs customized. You need to at least have the basics down and be seeking improvement in your game to invest in custom clubs.
Customized clubs are unique to your size and your body type. Build affects swing, so if the clubs are made with your build and swing in mind, you will inevitably end up with the best possible clubs for your style.
Customized clubs don’t magically make you into a better golfer, though, so ensure that you are still keeping your eye on training and not expecting your club type to change the game. Customized clubs can improve what is already in place, however.
Professionals know about the decision making process better than anyone, so talking to them about what clubs will work best specifically for your body type is one of the best ways to make it happen. Make sure you get the equipment selection process right, as it is the primary element to getting the sport down pat and the best way to discover how to become a better golfer.
Provided By: ArticleResources

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Housing Tips

El Nino Means Check your Rainwater Drainage

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

The arrival of El Nino means it is time to check your rainwater drainage.
Umbrella RainIf you own your own property or business you will know how important it is to maintain your property as well as you possibly can. Property is always a great investment and generally it is quite a large one, if not your largest. Due to this fact you must take care of it to ensure that it does not become damaged or badly kept. If you allow this to happen the value of your investment can be seriously affected and this cannot be allowed to happen. One of your worst enemies as a property owner is the weather. Adverse weather conditions can cause a great deal of damage to your property if you do not have the proper equipment in place to protect it. Heavy rain is one of the most dangerous types of weather as moisture within your building can cause as huge amount of damage. Because of this having a high quality drainage system in place is absolutely paramount. These drainage systems are designed and manufactured to provide your building with the maximum amount of protection possible from heavy or constant rain fall. El Nino Means Check your Rainwater Drainage
Choosing the best drainage systems
As there are so many different types of drainage systems available on the current market place it can be a very difficult decision trying to pick the best one, especially if you are relatively new to the property game. There are a number of different factors that you will need to take into consideration when you are choosing your rainwater drainage system. Firstly, you will need to look at the style of building that you have. It is absolutely paramount that the drainage system that you choose matches the style of your building. If it does not it can detract from the aesthetics of your building and thus affect the appeal and even the price of your home. This cannot be allowed to occur, so you must really take your time while browsing through the various drainage systems that are available to you. There are plenty to choose from including modern and contemporary styled drainage systems and more traditional and classically styled drainage systems. This means that you should have no problem locating a system to suit both the style of you home and your own personal taste.
Where to purchase your rainwater drainage systems
There are many different retailers that you can obtain high quality rainwater drainage systems from. You can purchase them from a number of Do It Yourself and home improvement stores on the high street and the selection within these stores is quite good. However, the very best location to find not only the best selection but the best prices is the internet. Here you can gain access to the entire market place and you can also find sites and blogs that will offer you help and assistance that will indicate what the very best quality drainage systems are.
articlecity.com

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Hobbies

What to Photograph in Los Angeles

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

hollywood-116225_640What to Photograph in Los Angeles
What should you photograph in Los Angeles? There are several places of interest, not just in its big city but also in other famous cities which are part of the Los Angeles County. So here’s a list of where to go, what to visit and what’s worth capturing in that place. What to Photograph in Los Angeles
HOLLYWOOD
This place is the capital of movie-making. Hollywood is famous all over the world for its movies, there’s no doubt about that. And of course, where movies are created, stars are also being born. This is the home to several celebrities.
Hollywood Sign – The most photographed in the place. The Sign is located on top of Hollywood Hills and is normally visible from the distance. A good place to get a shot is the Hollywood & Highland.
Hollywood & Highland – This entertainment complex is a rather new attraction at Hollywood Boulevard. The Kodak Theater and Renaissance Hotel are integrated into it plus several shops, restaurants and a spacious courtyard.
Kodak Theater – Known as the home of the Oscars. The academy awards ceremony is being held here every year and it’s the dream destination of most movie stars who like to grace the annual red carpet show.
Grauman’s Chinese Theater – The most famous movie theater in the world which had been a host to important movie premieres. At its forecourt, you can find the hand and foot prints of several famous stars like Tom Hanks.
Walk of Fame – These are the stars embedded on the side walks along Hollywood Boulevard which are being honored to respective artists who contributed to the entertainment industry.
Historical Buildings of Hollywood – Among its most famous historical buildings are the Capitol Records Tower, the First National Bank of Hollywood, Masonic Temple, El Capitan Theater, Grauman’s Chinese and Egyptian Theater, and the Roosevelt Hotel. Mostly located at the famous Hollywood Boulevard.
Sunset Strip – A part of the long Sunset Bouleavard that is famous for boutiques, restaurants, clubs and its nightlife.
Melrose Place – This is an extension road of Melrose Avenue which is a home to several upscale stores and boutiques. Melrose Place was made famous by the TV Series after its name.
BEVERLY HILLS
This is a smaller city between Hollywood and Santa Monica which is famous to be the nest of the rich and famous. Some interesting places to see in the place are…
Beverly Hills City Hall – The beautiful building is designed in Italian-Renaissance and is normally illuminated during the night. The city hall was also featured in the film Beverly Hills Cop.
Rodeo Drive – A famous and expensive shopping area in Beverly Hills which is also known for its beautiful sidewalks and arcades.
SANTA MONICA
A coastal city part of Los Angeles known for its beach-front promenade, resorts, long boardwalk, shopping, amusement, restaurants and an upscale living at Pacific Palisades.
Santa Monica Pier – The pier is a must destination for its lively atmosphere and nice views of the beach. It has an amusement park which is a great subject of photography, especially during the night.
Santa Monica Boardwalk – A haven for bikers, rollerskaters and joggers. The boardwalk is stretched parallel to the beach, offers a relaxing and the same time fun atmosphere.
Santa Monica’s Beach – The city’s most famous natural attraction which is an all-time favorite because of the place’s beautiful weather. You can get a great panoramic photo of the beach and the nearby area while riding the Ferris Wheel at Santa Monica Pier.
MALIBU
Another favorite living place of the rich and famous because of its beautiful coastal view. Take a peek at the gorgeous beach houses lined up on the coast.
Malibu Beach – The beach got its worldwide fame during the 90’s from the very famous TV series, Baywatch. Stars on the show like Pamela Anderson fell in love with the place that she even bought a villa here.
DOWNTOWN LOS ANGELES
At downtown LA, you’ll find the city’s financial district. It is the home to banks, offices, hotels, business establishments and institutions, and upscale shops. These normally are the one defining the city’s skyline.
City’s Skyline – To get a good shot of the skyline, drive your way up to Mulholland Drive. From there, you’ll have a sweeping view of the city and its skyline.
Los Angeles City Hall – This white huge building was once the tallest upon its completion and was recently featured in the film War of the Worlds.
These all in all can contribute to a great Los Angeles photo collection. Enjoy!

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Driving

Winterizing Your Vehicle Can Save Cold Cash

by Jeff Dailey
written by Jeff Dailey

cars-123919_640Winterizing Your Vehicle Can Save Cold Cash
The last thing any driver needs is a vehicle that breaks down in cold, harsh winter weather. Winterizing your vehicle should be a top priority, according to the Car Care Council, saving you from the inconvenience of being out in the cold and with the unexpected expense of emergency repairs. Winterizing Your Vehicle Can Save Cold Cash
“The thought of a breakdown, an engine not starting or otherwise being stranded is stressful as it is, but those things happening in freezing winter weather are extra stressful and costly,” said Rich White, executive director of the Car Care Council. “An investment of an hour or two to have your vehicle checked is all it takes to have peace of mind and help avoid the cost and hassle of a breakdown during harsh weather.”
The Car Care Council recommends the following steps for winterizing your vehicle:

  • Clean, flush and put new antifreeze in the cooling system. As a general rule of thumb, this should be done every two years.
  • Make sure heaters, defrosters and wipers work properly. Consider winter wiper blades and use cold weather washer fluid. As a general rule, wiper blades should be replaced every six months.
  • Have the battery and charging system checked for optimum performance. Cold weather is hard on batteries.
  • Check the tire tread depth and tire pressure. If snow and ice are a problem in your area, consider special tires designed to grip slick roads. During winter, tire pressure should be checked weekly.
  • Be diligent about changing the oil and filter at recommended intervals. Dirty oil can spell trouble in winter. Consider changing to a “winter weight” oil if you live in a cold climate. Have your technician check the fuel, air and transmission filters at the same time.
  • If you’re due for a tune-up, have it done before winter sets in. Winter magnifies existing problems such as pings, hard starts, sluggish performance or rough idling.
  • Have the brakes checked. The braking system is the vehicle’s most important safety item.
  • Get the exhaust system checked for carbon monoxide leaks, which can be especially dangerous during cold weather driving when windows are closed.
  • Check to see that exterior and interior lights work and that the headlights are properly aimed.

Motorists should also keep the gas tank at least half full at all times to decrease the chances of moisture forming in the gas lines and possibly freezing. Drivers should check the tire pressure of the spare in the trunk and stock an emergency kit with an ice scraper and snowbrush, jumper cables, flashlight, flares, blanket, extra clothes, candles or matches, bottled water, dry food snacks and needed medication.
The Car Care Council is the source of information for the “Be Car Care Aware” consumer education campaign promoting the benefits of regular vehicle care, maintenance and repair to consumers. For a copy of the council’s Car Care Guide or for more information, visit www.carcare.org.

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Tech Support

Cellphone Safety During the Holidays

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

man-535872_640As you rush from store to store this holiday season, making your list and checking it twice, you may not be giving careful attention to safeguarding your cellphone. Distracted shoppers make easy targets for mischief and even simple careless losses.
Each year, the percentage of claims filed for lost or stolen cellphones increases in November, December and January, according to claims data from Asurion, a mobile protection and solutions company that partners with wireless providers around the globe. New Year’s Eve is the most dangerous holiday for phones, with an 83 percent increase in claims.
“The risk of theft increases during the holidays, and consumers need to consider a more comprehensive approach to protecting their smartphones and the valuable information on them,” said Bettie Colombo, spokesperson for Asurion. “Purchasing cellphone protection can save customers hundreds of dollars on a replacement device and reconnect them quickly to friends, family and coworkers during the holiday season.”
Technology-based tools are available that can perform a wide range of functions. These include location-based services that help you find a missing device, remotely lock it and even erase the data should a device land in the wrong hands.
To help keep your smartphone and the personal, irreplaceable information it contains safe this holiday season, keep the following tips in mind:

  • Back up your content regularly, whether to your computer or through a reputable cloud service.
  • Update your phone’s software regularly to ensure you are protected from the latest security vulnerabilities.
  • Enable password protection, especially if your phone provides access to banking or credit accounts.
  • * If your phone and provider offer them, enable location-based services that will let you track down your phone if it gets lost.
  • Insure your phone. The best buys are comprehensive policies that safeguard you from loss, theft, damage and malfunction.
  • Avoid using your phone to log into personal accounts, such as online banking, while using an unsecured public wireless network.
  • Carry your phone in a deep pocket or in a purse with a zipper or other secure closure to prevent it from slipping out while you’re busy perusing gift ideas.
  • Make a habit of checking for your phone as you leave a store or location. While this won’t prevent it from getting stolen, it will narrow the search field if it goes missing.
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Life Lessons

The Balancing Act

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Mature woman reading.It is hard to find balance in this information age. “The average office worker receives more than 200 messages a day via snail mail, email, express mail, cell phone, landline, wireless Web, bicycle messenger, singing telegram, you name it. Taking in information these days is like trying to drink from a fire hose.”
–Dr. Martha Beck
Did you know that one Sunday edition of The New York Times contains more information than all the written documents in the world during the 15th century? Does it seem like life is spinning out of control? The pace of life just keeps picking up! And with it, job satisfaction is on the decline.
In an Associated Press article, Marc Greenbaum, a 50-year-old professor at Suffolk Law School, stated that “I’m personally happier but I observe more people that are more miserable. There’s more pressure on them to produce, more problems with maintaining a boundary between work and family, even maintaining a boundary between work and the outside because of things like e-mail, voicemail and the Blackberry. They can’t get away.”
According to the Families and Work Institute, over 47% of U.S. workers surveyed feel overworked. In addition, 59% of Americans describe their lives as very busy according to an NBC news survey. According to Dr. Richard Swensen, author of Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives, the average American will spend one year in his/her life searching through desk clutter looking for misplaced objects. We are working harder and faster than ever. Being more organized can help reduce stress, save time, and improve efficiency.
We celebrate National Get Organized Week the first week in October. Most people think of “getting organized” as a physical act – clearing piles of paper, putting things away, etc. What many people overlook is the mental part of getting organized. And I always say that organizing your physical environment without first clarifying your priorities is like rearranging deck chairs on the Titanic!
Here are 8 tips to help you with the mental part of getting and staying organized. I encourage you to read through the whole list, and then go back and choose two or three ideas to implement.
1. Understand the difference between URGENT and IMPORTANT. If it’s important, it may be a vital priority for you. If it’s urgent, it’s time-sensitive, but it may or may not be important. Be sure you are clear about the difference when deciding what deserves your time. Check out the time management matrix at www.orgcoach.net/timematrix.html, which beautifully illustrates the difference.
2. Find time for yourself. Schedule time away from your work and your family. Use this opportunity to tune in to what you want and need. Don’t feel that you’re being selfish; you have a responsibility to yourself to take care of your needs. Studies show that productivity dramatically increases when you are well rested.
3. Check for balance between these four vital areas of your life:

  • Well-being – caring for your physical, mental, spiritual, and social needs
  • Family relationships
  • Work activities
  • Service activities – volunteer work, being a good neighbor, practicing random acts of kindness

4. Live your life in the present! Quit saying, “I’ll do this when I get around to it.” I have yet to find a person who said on their death bed, “I wish I had spent more time at the office.”
5. Increase productivity by planning your week and fine-tuning your workday. Block out time to handle priorities. Important tips to remember as you plan your week:

  • Have unscheduled time in your calendar for handling unexpected but important tasks.
  • Plan to work on creative activities during the time of day when you are at your best.
  • Schedule “protected time” to work on projects that need your undivided attention. If interruptions are eating you alive, close your door and ask that people come back to see you at a designated time.
  • Temporarily turn off the audio feature on your cell phone, pager and email account. Pick and choose when you respond and when it’s appropriate to let calls go into voice mail.
  • Be realistic about your expectations. Don’t set yourself up for failure by planning too much in one day.
  • Leave work at a reasonable hour so you have time for those other three areas of your life – self-care, family, and service to others.

6. Reduce your stress by being underwhelmed. Here are a few tips to help you avoid getting overwhelmed:

  • NO is a complete sentence. Don’t bite off more than you can chew. When someone makes a request, buy some time before answering. Say, “Let me think about it,” or “I’m in the middle of something right now. I’ll call you back and let you know.” This will give you time to evaluate the situation and decide if it’s something you truly want to do.
  • Delegate as much as you can. Focus your time on activities that you enjoy and are best at.

7. Stay out of e-mail jail. Here are a few tips to help:

  • Determine frequency of checking for e-mail messages. Some people choose to check it throughout the day and even use such devices as the Blackberry when on the road, while others only check for messages a couple times a day. You are the only one who can determine what will work for you.
  • Use the F.A.T. (File, Act, Toss) method to keep your email inbox from piling up. If a message needs to be filed for future reference, place it in the appropriate email subject or contact folder. Place a red flag next to those items you need to act on but don’t have time to do right at the moment. Immediately toss (delete or forward) anything you don’t need to keep.
  • Remove your name from subscription lists that do not provide value to you.

8. Set up your work environment to keep your focus on what’s most important. Here are some tips:

  • Arrange your workspace so you have the most commonly-used things close in. Store things used less frequently in less accessible space.
  • Create a filing system that enables you to find things instantly. The #1 reason that people pile instead of file is a fear of not being able to find it when they need it. Visit www.orgcoach.net/PaperTiger.html for some ideas.
  • Create a tickler file system to remind you of important follow up at the appropriate time. The #2 reason that people pile is a fear of forgetting to do something that is out-of-sight and out-of-mind. A good tickler system reminds you to follow up on the appropriate date, and provides an alternative to that “I’ll just set it here for now” pile. Visit www.orgcoach.net/products/tickle.html#ticklerfile to see what a good tickler file system looks like.
  • Use the F.A.T. (File, Act, Toss) method to process your mail daily. Review our Trim the F.A.T. tip sheet at www.orgcoach.net/trimthefat.html.
  • Keep only what you plan to focus on today on your desktop. Remove visual distractions from your workspace so your attention is not pulled away from what you’ve chosen to work on today! Everything else should be put away until it’s time for you to focus on it.
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Life Lessons

Managing Relationships During the Holidays

by Kimberly Johnson
written by Kimberly Johnson

Managing Relationships During the Holidays

Spoiler Alert: It is not about them. Managing Relationships During the Holidays
As we approach Thanksgiving and Christmas, many of us will have the opportunity to gather with family and friends. There is so much joy this time of year. Managing Relationships During the Holidays
shutterstock_197760704Whatever the makeup of your family, everyone feels a little stressed during the holidays. Some of you may feel a little more like Marge Simpson than Carol Brady as you entertain or attend large gatherings.
Expectations are formed, finances and gift giving come to the forefront, perfectionism can sneak in–any one of which can lead to anxiety. Unchecked, these can also result in holiday depression.
Wow, Gem, what a downer you are! Actually, I’m an optimist. That is why I want to talk turkey (get it, turkey) with you about your own heart as we continue on through the season.
I want to address just one idea that may help ease any tension that may arise as you get together with others. And this is the cool part. It is not about them. This is something you can choose to do for yourself. And it may help you achieve peace even in the midst of what can be a busy season.
Two words: Loving Detachment.
This not a new idea. Both the spiritual direction and 12-step communities have long touted the virtues of detachment.
In other words, everyone gets to decide for themselves how they will act, what they will say, what they will do. The key to your peace is to let go and let them. The great news is that you get to decide how you will act, what you will say and what you will do.
Detachment
You simply allow the other person to do what they are already doing…living their life the way they want to.
“But you don’t understand, my uncle so-and-so is a real jerk. I can’t stand the way he drones on and on.” I hear you. That can be very disturbing and downright angering. But what good does that stomach acid do you?
Another of my favorite 12-step phrases: “Keep your own side of the street clean.” Once again, your uncle gets to decide his own curb appeal and so do you.
Allow the person to be who they are, here and now. You don’t have to be hooked onto their dynamic, you simply let go.
Loving
You can engage without judgment or anxiety. It is our own self-talk that usually exacerbates the already aggravating situation.
Take your own inner dialogue down a notch. And then change it up. Come up with creative loving thoughts and activities that turn your heart toward the person in a loving way.
You could think of one of their good qualities and be thankful for that. You could pray for them (while they are droning) about the hard time they are experiencing at work or at home. Again, without judgment. You keep your heart open to them as a person, while protecting yourself from their acidity.
It is a beautiful thing to remember that each and every one of us is on a journey. We are all in process. Some are walking their process and others are not. But it is their choice.
The gift we give to ourselves and to others is the grace to let each one move at their own pace, by their own choice.

By Gem Fadling. Reprinted with permission. Check out Gem’s website, Presence, where she writes and provides resources for women who are learning to be fully present in a distracted world.

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