Holidays & Celebrations: What helps to stay positive?

Hello, @parus. Thought your topic was just great, and timely.

Wondering what you might think about our changing the subject of your thread? Some suggestions would be:
Holidays & Celebrations: What helps to stay positive?
Holidays and celebrations: What helps?

@lisalucier Not a problem...please do so. Either one works for this member. This is not my forte.

@parus I missed your original post, but what was the title before the change was announced? You can private message me if you like.

@gman007 I titled it, "What Helps"? Rather vague and still may not have posted in the correct category-trying to touch all of the categories or some such.

Hey, Gary @gman007 -- Yes, like @parus said, the original title was "What Helps?" @parus and I decided to make the title a little more descriptive and specific to the holidays to bring other members into the conversation. Parus' original message remains unchanged. To see her original post, please click VIEW & REPLY in the email notification and scroll to the top of the discussion.

Look forward to getting your thoughts about the holidays and managing attitude, moods and emotions.

Since I easily get distracted by a big comfy chair in a dark room, I try to think of traditions I had or would like to start. A few years ago we started building ginger bread houses every year, nothing to extravagant, just fun for kiddos. I missed my traditional tree up the first weekend of December, but I'm getting it done tomorrow. I also like to invite others so I can't just procrastinate and sit around all day doing nothing. Like tomorrow my oldest daughter and her new Hubby are coming over to help decorate and hang out. I think that is my secret, invite others, then you are held to it.

Suggest TED Talk done on audio-only program called, “Sincerely X”. You can get this free of charge through, the “Audible” AP. Episode #8 is called Mood Changer.

I do not have room to entertain so I do goody bags for the places where I shop the most. It is rewarding to see how these hard-working folks are surprised. I also play secret elf and it is so much fun!!! I bake and put music on. Remaining positive is so very important for any of us with depression and chronic pain. I cannot always get the things completed I would like to and this is okay. I do have my ups and downs altho I am not bipolar. Dark and negative thoughts worsen physical and emotional pain. Baking and doing art for others as I can keeps me moving more. By afternoon I go caput. Yup, it is afternoon. Do hope those here are doing the best they know how.

Hello @parus

I just love the "secret elf" idea! What a great way to lift your mood and show appreciation. Thanks for sharing these thoughts with us. I'm getting ready to make some holiday breads - I'll bake them in the small foil loaf pans - and then deliver them to other tenants in my building before Christmas with a card. I think I will follow your lead and put on some Christmas music in the background!

Teresa

@hopeful33250 I enjoy the groups Home Free and Anthem Lights. Do the older seasonal music-mood lifting! Happy baking.