By the time you are reading this many of us are going full speed ahead to prepare for the Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanza and New Year Holidays. Some of us will be opening our homes to family and friends and others will be our guests.

It should be noted that there are also many people for whom the Holidays are painful and are relieved when the Holiday Season is over. They may refuse an invitation to celebrate with you and we must accept their decision. Yet, it is important that we extend the invitation thereby letting them know they are welcome in our home. The matter is best handled with sensitivity and kindness. Sometimes, we may be surprised and the invite is accepted.

There seems to be an accelerated sense of stress around this time of year. Worries about presents, what to serve and of course the seating plan. Due to conflicts among some our guests and of course family members, our plan to extend gracious hospitality to all can be challenging. Because. It is through the establishment and maintaining of meaningful relationships that common goals are successfully met. Understanding this concept and finding it to be true helps us find ways to find solutions to the relationship problems in particular. What we must do to successfully accomplish this task is to be still and take a mindful time out of the problem solving. Simple breathing meditations can help us focus on establishing a state of calm and detachment. Thus, we will find ways to enjoy the Holidays while letting those we celebrate with know they are valued. This is the key piece, whether it is during the Holidays or throughout the year.

Hopefully, the time used to create an accepting and sincere approach to relationships, will bear the fruit of us being treated in kind.

Godspeed and Happy Holidays to all!

Janet Lehecka is a retired Probation Officer. She is also a Usui Reiki Master Teacher,
Karuna Reiki Master Teacher, Certified in Magnified Healing, and Past President of the Long Island Reiki Connection. jlpathwaytopeace@gmail.com 631-532-6151.