As you look around at everyone at work, shopping, at parties, and on TV, it seems like they are having such a fun and happy holiday season. Everywhere around you people are laughing and joking, sharing good times, and discussing their excitement about plans with family and friends. But you don’t feel like that. On the outside, you do your best to put on a happy face but, inside, you feel empty and full of despair. Getting through this season of joy feeling incredible sadness and/or anxious is very difficult. People feel badly this time of year for so many different reasons. Perhaps a love one passed on this year and you just miss them so much. Perhaps money is tight and you can’t give the gifts you desire to the people you love. Perhaps you’re alone in your town or city and can’t make it to family. Perhaps you feel disconnected in general. Maybe the thought of political discussions (fights), or old bitter issues, at the family dinner makes you want to avoid them. The list can keep going on. So what can you do? First, acknowledge what you are feeling, without judgement. Emotions are not weaknesses or failings. They are a response to situations that trigger internal beliefs, many of which we are not aware. We develop beliefs in early childhood, right from birth, and we carry them throughout our life unless we do the work to discover what they are and transform them. Realize that all feelings come from a part of you that wants to keep you safe. It may not seem like it but when we can dig down into the source, this is what we discover. And once we know what the source is, we can change what we believe. Second, remember you are NOT your feelings. We often forget this. We have feelings but they are not us. We have thoughts but they are not who we are, either. When we remember this, it can take some of the charge off the feeling. Third, begin to change your emotions by asking yourself different questions. Your mind always gives you an answer to any question you ask. When you say “why me?”, it will tell you. Perhaps, instead, ask yourself “what can I be thankful for right now?” There is always something. Perhaps it is that you have food to eat or a place to stay out of the weather. Perhaps it is for your legs and feet that let you walk and run. Perhaps it is for your brilliant mind that gives you the ability to think and come up with answers to problems. Perhaps it is for disappointment as that helps you recognize what is important to you. Maybe it is for internet which makes it possible to search out solutions as well as to connect with others. Books and movies? Technology? Oxygen? Find one thing, even if it is simple and others will flow from that start. Hypnotherapy helps people find the source of their anxious and/or depressive feelings and empowers their transformation to emotions that serve people in fulfilling their potential. If you are stuck and need some guidance, please call me at 407-632-0600. May you showered with abundant blessings and joy this holiday season.