Although full avoidance was my first tactic, this did not last long. I was not learning anything about myself, but hiding. As I took steps to practice my comfort levels-perhaps push the envelope here and there-I got to see the new changes within myself as I related to others. Eventually, the more I "practiced" the more I enjoyed myself as I came to understand my capacities as well as my limits.

What I have come to discover is that what enables me to move forward within the context of frenzy is my own pace, my own choices, my own appreciation for self-care.

A continuing practice I make great use of is taking a moment to take a breath or a mini time-out if I begin to feel overwhelmed or a sense of anxiety or resentment. This is an opportunity I give to myself to allow for a moment of reassessment. I do not like such feelings and I know they stand between me and the opportunity to take in certain holiday enjoyments. In the end, whatever I do or do not do, the choice is mine to make. If I am acting on impulse or old triggers, I can take a look and decide what is best in the moment. The next moment may be completely different or the same. But I took a moment to be in discovery so I am not sabotaging myself. And I do seem to need to take additional moments many times over during this time of year. But for me it continues to make a difference.