The summer holidays are upon us, and for many, the July 4th weekend is marked by festivities with family and friends. Some look forward to the shared moments, while others may approach their gatherings with apprehension.
Whether your relationships are simple, complex, or somewhere in between, by setting boundaries, tending your fences, and entering the warm holiday season with realistic expectations, you will have the freedom to enjoy yourself.
Prepare Yourself.
One of the most important elements of dealing with complex relationships is preparation. Consider whom you will be interacting with throughout the holiday weekend. Reflect on how each of those unique relationships make you feel, and without allowing yourself to dwell on potential and theoretical problems, prepare yourself. If some relationships are prone to triggering unpleasant emotions, think about the best ways to fortify your fences.
Identify Your Triggers.
The key to personal preparation is to identify your triggers. If you are aware that certain discussion topics or individuals trigger a negative emotional response, you can actively protect yourself. Additionally, identify the things that trigger positivity, gravitate towards those interactions, and embrace the joyful moments.
Take Time For Yourself.
Between parties and events, make sure you are taking some moments to recharge your energy reserves. Even short moments of rest can make a world of difference. Whether it be as simple as conversation or as complex as hosting a gathering, we naturally give of ourselves when we interact with groups of friends and family. This can be quite fulfilling, but it does require a balance. So be sure to take time to recharge and find your center before, during, and after your holiday events.
Don’t Fear Saying No.
If you find yourself dreading a situation, don’t be afraid to say no. Often in our lives, we sacrifice our own comfort for the benefit of others. Sometimes this is in an effort to avoid being rude, and other times it may be driven by a sense of duty. Consider the invitation from a realistic perspective and ask yourself what the true impact would be if you declined.
Make Notes Along The Way.
If you encounter a situation that triggers an unexpected emotional response, make note of it and allow yourself to move on. By recognizing it as a learning moment, you will be able to better prepare in the future. Also, this simple act of acknowledging the learning opportunity may help give you the immediate closure you need to let it go without carrying the feelings through the day.
Embrace The Moments.
Once the celebration is in full swing, remember to embrace the moments. Search out and create laughter and happiness, and refuse to engage in drama or negativity by politely excusing yourself from those interactions. After all, this is your holiday. Enjoy it!