During the holidays and beyond, it’s so important to be kind, patient and tolerant, with ourselves first and foremost, and then with others.

To me, being kind means acknowledging the benevolence of the Universe, that she has my back; that there’s a purpose, a reason for everything that I’m experiencing in my life, and I can take those experiences and use them to evolve and grow, to be more of my best self.  Even in the most heartbreaking moments, I can use my heartbreak to experience more love and compassion. 

With kindness, I know in my heart of hearts that the love and support of the Universe is always with me, and I am never alone; that flooding my heart with kindness helps me to see and experience people and events during the holidays in the best light.

Patience is about being without expectation.  Expectations during the holidays can lead to depression and disappointment.  When I choose to be fully present in the moment without any pre-conceived ideas how people will act or how a gathering may be, I free myself up to be pleasantly surprised; I’m open to enjoying all the moments; I’m open to whatever that experience brings. 

Tolerance is about open-mindedness.  It’s about looking for the similarities I have with other people and using that as a basis to interact and connect, instead of focusing on the differences. 

With tolerance, I can have a meaningful conversation with someone that has political, religious and world views that are 180 degrees opposite to mine, while maintaining clear and appropriate boundaries.  In our humanness, we have many things in common, family, friends, trips, experiences, difficulties, the ups the downs, the trials and tribulations of life.  

Tolerance helps me do more than survive some holiday gatherings; it helps me to connect with ones I don’t usually choose to socialize with in a mutually supportive way, to enjoy myself and thrive.