Well, here we go.  Another holiday season is upon us.  While special occasions should be enjoyable, they can be quite the opposite when toxic people are involved.  Be they partners, family, friends, coworkers, etc., some people seem to drag their drama and unpleasantries to every party, gathering, and dinner table when the holidays come around.

As I’ve mentioned in previous posts, if we need/want to attend events that will include narcissists and other difficult people, boundaries are always at our disposal.  That could include avoiding conversations, speaking minimally if we get pulled into any chit-chat, or walking away if we feel the need to do so.  It’s possible to be polite and not make a scene when attempting to avoid contact with someone.  Unless we’d like to make a scene, of course.  In that case, go for it!  Just be true to you, whatever that may look like.  And even if we’re in a room full of enablers (flying monkeys) of the toxic person/people, we can hold our heads high while recognizing that narcissists are very convincing, manipulative people who can pull the wool over some people’s eyes.  But that often changes.  Until then, we can define it as one of those “it is what it is” situations.  In the end, the behaviour of toxic people and their dutiful flying monkeys has absolutely nothing to do with us.  We just happen to be the (often scapegoated) current target of their misery and drama.

We can also choose not to attend events at which the person or people in question may be.  Yes, it sucks to miss out but we need to weigh that against loss of peace and increases in stress levels.

For those of us who are low- or no-contact and have been choosing not to attend events with certain individuals, the little worm of loneliness may try to creep in.  But we can ignore that feeling by keeping ourselves busy with new traditions, hobbies, or making plans for spending time with people who are less challenging to be around.

And above all else, make time for self-care.  Even five minutes can help if that’s all the time we can manage.  Deep breathing, yoga, going for a walk, time with friends, a warm bath…whatever gives us some downtime and relaxation can make a world of difference.  Absolutely every little moment of self-care helps our bodies, minds, and spirits to stay resilient and provides optimal chances for overall wellbeing.

Happy Holidays!  We can do this! 

Until next time,

Heather ~Natural Clarity Coaching~ naturalclaritycoaching.com na********************@***il.com Natural Clarity Coaching on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter