HOW PAUSING CAN PROTECT YOUR PEACE THIS HOLIDAY SEASON SAY ‘NO’ WITHOUT WORDS
The holidays bring a new set of stresses, like financial pressure to buy presents, hectic schedules, and lots of travel time. For families going through a life transition like a separation or coparenting, there can be even more drama. Sometimes, silence is the most powerful way to react, speaking louder than words and protecting your emotions. From physically stepping away to mentally disengaging, here are some strategies to say “no” with quiet strength through tense moments this season. HIT PAUSE No matter what kind of relationship you’re dealing with, a family member or partner, a break during a heated or unproductive moment can do a lot of good. It’s
easy to say something you regret or be manipulated when emotions run high. Let the other person know you are going to step away so you can reset and come back to the conversation with more clarity. Take a short walk, spend a few minutes in a quiet room to focus on your breathing, or do a small act of self-care, like using a nice-smelling lotion. FIND YOUR INNER CALM Even if you don’t physically leave the conversation, you can mentally disengage if it’s going nowhere or spiraling in a bad direction. Find something to help you distract your mind a bit and find a sense of inner calm, like thinking of a “happy place” or singing a soothing song in your mind. You can also use strategic pauses during the conversation, remaining quiet until you know you are calm enough to respond. If you find yourself feeling overwhelmed, try the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding method. Focus on five things you can see, four you can hear, three you can touch, two you can smell, and one thing you can taste. SET BOUNDARIES Set some boundaries with your family members before the event on what you are not willing to discuss, and stick to them. If, for example, you made it clear you don’t want to talk about politics or discuss what’s going on in your relationship, you can say, “I’m not comfortable speaking about this,” and end the conversation. Silence can be a tool for navigating family tension this holiday season. Visit Bruce Law Firm for resources and videos on handling difficult conversations with calm and confidence.
BLF Attorneys Sarina, Samantha, & Sarah attending a Forum Club luncheon.
APPLE-CRANBERRY SALAD
This tangy and sweet apple-cranberry salad will steal the show at your Thanksgiving feast this year.
Ingredients •
6 slices of bacon
• •
3/4 cup dried cranberries
• • • •
1/3 cup balsamic vinaigrette
1 Honeycrisp apple, peeled and thinly sliced
1/3 cup olive oil
• •
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tbsp raw honey
1/2 cup feta cheese
8 oz fresh baby spinach, rinsed and dried
Directions 1. In a large skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Remove it from the pan and set on a paper towel- lined plate to cool. 2. In a small bowl, whisk together balsamic vinaigrette, olive oil, and honey. Set aside. 3. In a large bowl, add spinach, cranberries, apple slices, red onion, and feta. Crumble bacon pieces over the top. Use salad forks to toss ingredients thoroughly. 4. Add dressing to the salad and toss again until well-coated.
Inspired by WanderlustAndWellness.org
561-810-0170 • 3
Made with FlippingBook Ebook Creator