3 Things You Need to Carry You Through the Holiday Season

In a perfect world what would your Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays look like to you?

Would you be surrounded by extended family or maybe just your immediate family?

Would you choose to go on an adventure with just friends?

Or would you choose a quiet low key option where you take in rest, and maybe spend some time serving the less fortunate?

Whatever you choose this holiday season there are 3 things you need to carry into every situation you encounter. Are you ready to be equipped? Wouldn't it be great if this season you walked away feeling completely full, both literally and figuratively? Here are the top 3 things that will allow for you to have the best time spent no matter who you are with or what you are doing!

Managed Expectations

Oftentimes we walk into our relationships ill-prepared. It's natural to think that everyone thinks the way we do, which can sometimes get us into situations where we are expecting things from both family and friends that they are not able to give.

Before you go to that next gathering be sure that you have managed your expectations. This looks like giving grace to loved ones (people can't read our minds.) It also looks like having a bit of extra patience (we are all doing the best we can!)

Most importantly - have compassion, and remember that family gatherings are not supposed to be torture. They are supposed to be fun! So, however you need to change your perspective so you can be a part of that fun, do it - you will be so glad you did!

Love

What would your time spent with family and friends look like if you always remembered to come from a place of love? We need to remember this holiday season that love is an action word. Is there one person at your holiday gathering that you typically have a hard time loving? We all have those feelings at some point or another, but this holiday season why not make an effort to show that person love?

Maybe you can prepare something for them or just make an effort to engage in conversation that you normally would not with them. If they happen to be the host of your holiday celebration, bring a small token of appreciation. Love always prevails and it always wins (even when we can't see it!)

Peace

Recently in my daily devotion time I read a definition of peace that just made me want to shout! I often find myself telling people to follow peace. But, what does that actually look like? Here is how Priscilla Shirer defines peace in her book Fervent:

Peace is the deep, inner, eternal stability the believer possesses by virtue of relationship with Jesus, a sense of balance that's not subject to external circumstance. It's also the quality that enables us to live harmoniously with others.

Our goal should always be to live harmoniously with others! It does not mean it will always be easy, but with prayer and seeking to understand rather than to be understood, you and I will be off to a great start!

Remember that, as you prepare for your gatherings and celebrations this time of year, you have the power to be the light. Embrace your family and friends, think of new games to play, create those traditions and most importantly - enjoy each other and have fun! We are all working to build our legacies, so choose to build one with love!

I would love to hear from you. How will you be spending your holidays this year? What are some of the traditions that you are looking forward to being a part of? How do you celebrate? Do you play games, carol, or bake together? Feel free to share in the comments below!

The holidays can sometimes be stressful or overwhelming - especially when encountering challenging relational dynamics. These 3 things will help you make it through! | EntriceRowe.com

New Year Fresh Vision

Why You Need A Plan:

I must admit, the first time the idea of creating a Vision Board was brought to my attention I was a bit skeptical.  I am a planner, so at the beginning of each year I do take the time to sit down and write out my 5 SMART goals. But sitting down and cutting out things to place on a board, I was not sold.  There was something different about this year though. I have journals for days, that I love to go back and look at and see what things I have done. I enjoy seeing what has materialized through setting out action steps to reach my goals.  This year I decided I wanted to do something a bit different.  I wanted to create a Vision Board and have my Vision for the year, dreams, and goals right at my finger tips. I also wanted to surround myself with like minded women, who I know are go getters, who see the potential in other women, and who help motivate and speak life into each other. With all of this in mind a decided to host a Vision Board Party.

There is power in numbers. There is also power in calling out your vision/dreams. When we are able to get to a place where are ideas are no longer in our head but on paper we are moving from the idea, to mapping out an actual plan.  It also helps to have people that will hold you accountable and cheer you on!

Hosting a Vision Board Party is so much fun. Here are 5 reasons why you should consider creating a Vision Board and hosting a party in 2016:

1. Clarity: Have you ever had an idea that kept resurfacing in your mind? Most of us have ideas and things that we say we would love to do "if time ever permitted." One sure way to never have time to set your plan into action is by not writing it down. Writing your vision down helps you get clear on what steps you need to take in order to meet your goal. Some can see their goals through images others need to put pen to paper, setting aside time to get it out of your head provides mental clarity. It also helps you to focus on your next steps.
2. Visual Reminder: Journaling is great! I do it every year, but this new element of actually seeing my goals everyday instead of having to go find my journal and filter through has been amazing! I've already walked past my board at least 20 times since I created it. I now have a visual reminder to do the things I've said I'm going to do.
3. Accountability: You can certainly create your vision board on your own. However if you choose to do one in the company of family or friends you now have accountability partners. You also have people who may have already done some of things you are hoping to do that may be able to provide insight in helping you move along a bit faster.  Often times we are afraid to put our ideas out there for fear of people judging our thoughts and ideas.  This is definitely a project that you will want to work with like minded people on. Be sure to surround yourself with people who will speak life into you and encourage you in building your dreams.
4. Fellowship: With society moving as fast as it is these days it's nice to take time out to fellowship and strengthen relationships. We were made for relationships.  Having a Vision Board Party gives you an opportunity to see what your friends are up to and its a great reason to have some time to dream and have some fun!
5. Visualization: This here is very powerful! The reason I was skeptical about Vision Boards to begin with was because I always thought you just put a bunch of things on the board that you wanted. But, as I researched a bit more, I discovered that you actually put things on the board that you want to "attract" into your life. So there is some thought involved in looking at how you want your year to look. What things would you like to accomplish? How would you like to feel this year? So go ahead and put those things that motivate and inspire you on your Vision Board.

Don't be afraid to make 2016 your best year yet! It's never too late to start dreaming and envisioning a purpose filled life!

Have you created a Vision Board? What are some of the steps you take to gather inspiration for your board?  Feel free to share in the comments.

Are you interested in hosting a Vision Board Party/Workshop? Contact me here for details.