No matter how much we love our families, throw us all together-add a little eggnog and sugar swings to boot-and we have ourselves a big. hot. mess.

So how do we, knowing all this, not get caught up in the drama?

We must take responsibility for our part.

When we spend time with family, it is common to regress to some former version of ourselves. Perhaps it’s the hormonal, angst ridden (and perpetually misunderstood) teenager or maybe our 5 year old selves who want nothing more than to be accepted by our older brothers.

While these versions are familiar- they are outdated. Remember, wild one, you have changed. And chances are some of the people and circumstances in your family have too.

So make sure you take some time each day for yourself.

Remind yourself who you really are. Breathe, journal, do what you do.

Avoid popping out of bed and into conversation. Awaken slowly. Breathe deep breaths and ease into the present moment.

Say to yourself: “I am (your name). I am (your age). I am an adult. I am the boss of me. No one can make me feel anything unless I let them. I release judgment of myself and others. I am grateful for this time with my tribe.”

And when you inevitably feel your former self bubbling up in phrases like, “God  MOM!” and “It’s not fair!” or in old mind traps or bickering, take a sec.

Laugh if you need, walk, yoga, mow the lawn, shovel some snow, have a cup of cider, call a soul sister-whatever cools down the mental engines.

Be sweet to yourself. Family brings up a lot. You are doing great.

You are not your past.

As you evolve, you will meet your old patterns, your shadows, your inherited belief systems on the path. Love them for what they have to teach you.

Practice unconditional love this week. For your family, for your overworked cashiers, for your friends and lovers, and most of all for your beautiful and courageous self.

 Happy Holidays from tWWp!

-Chris Maddox

We have Wild Woman Project-trained Circle facilitators is 27 countries, and 44 out of the 50 United States.

Find a Circle Near You. 

Join us for an hour-long New Moon Meditation Adventure on April 17th.

Online, from anywhere.

Using a dynamic meditation journey, we will tune into the New Moon, to your own Inner Guidance, synced up with wild-hearted women from around the world. This offering will include music, storytelling, meditation, journaling prompts & intention-setting.

Can’t make it live? No worries. All participants will receive a copy of the recording with 24 hours of the session.

Claim Your Seat!