I grew up with a lot of family drama around the Christmas table. It was a stressful time. My focus as a girl was to be as helpful, nice and good as I could to attempt to minimise the tension. It really did little to help.
Over the years I’ve studied 100s of communication techniques to enhance my communication with others. I love any and all discussions now, because talking is the first step to paving a path to understanding between people.
One of the best and simplest, and I’m know you’ve heard this before, so this is a reminder to you, is to LISTEN with your whole body when someone is sharing with you. This means that you are not thinking about what you want to eat next, what you want to say in response or how you want to get out of there, but to be 100% present. With them. This is simple (but hard, yet profound technique) does wonders for diminishing anxiety, anger and hurt. It is just so powerful, and it takes nothing from you.
It is simply caring enough to be fully present for another.
With this in mind… here are 7 questions you can use around Christmas tables and holiday gatherings that will transform your discussions from drama to deepening connection with your loved ones, friends and family. You may just find out there is a lot more to the person sitting opposite you that you perhaps you have known your whole life! 🙂
In my Youtube recording below I go into these in more detail.
- What are you most proud of this year?
- What activities did you do that brought you the most happiness?
- What were the greatest learnings for you this year?
- What simple, everyday things brought you joy or peace?
- What activities relaxed you the most this year?
- Did you have any moments of really feeling ‘in the flow’ this year?
- Did you do or think about doing or starting any hobbies this year?
If you need any extra help, I am a coach and I love helping people work through communication issues and much deeper emotional ones too. I would love to assist you.
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