Wednesday, December 01, 2004

The Holiday Bill of Rights

My DBT leader, Lane, handed out the following Bill of Rights today in group. I found it to be...freeing. Maybe some of you will like it too.

(Adapted from "Handling the Holidays" by Bruce Conley, 1992, Conley Outreach Publications. PO Box 830, Alburn, IL 60119)

You have the right to say, "TIME OUT!," anytime you need to. Time out to let, blow a little steam, step away from the holidays, have a "huddle" and start over.

You have a right to TELL IT LIKE IT IS. When people ask, "How are you?" you have the right to tell them how you really feel (whatever that may be).

You have the right to some "BAH HUM BUG" days.

You have the right to DO THINGS DIFFERENTLY. There is no law that says you must always do your holiday traditions the same way. You can do 10 cards instead of 100--or no cards at all. You can open your presents at somebody else's house. You can have pizza instead of turkey--the list is endless.

You have the right to be WHERE YOU WANT TO BE. Be at home or at the relatives. Be in any city, any state you choose.

You have a right to SOME FUN. When you have a day that isn't so bad and you feel like doing something just for fun, then do it. Laughter is every bit as important as tears.

You have a right to CHANGE DIRECTION IN MID-STREAM. Holiday grief is unpredictable. You may be all ready to go somewhere or do something then suddenly be overwhelmed. When that happens, it's okay to change your mind. There is plenty of time in life to be predictable; exercise your right to change when you need to.

You have a right to do THINGS AT DIFFERENT TIMES. Go to church at a different time. Open presents at a different time. Serve your meal at a different time. You don't have to stress about the holiday clock.

You have the right to REST, PEACE, AND SOLITUDE. You don't need to be busy all the time. l Take a nap whenever you need one. Take time to have a quiet solitary moment to recharge your spirit.

You have the right to DO IT ALL DIFFERENTLY AGAIN NEXT YEAR. Next year you can always change it back or do it yet another new way.

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So there. ;)

1 comment:

Emily said...

I like that. A lot.


AND YOU GOT YOUR BLOG BACK! :)