In this Issue

	A note from Yota
	Had Enough With Drama? Try the 7 Steps to “Drama-Free” Holidays!
	Yota Recommends
	Subscriber Information

________________

A note from Yota

Hello to all and a special welcome to my new subscribers!

One week away from Thanksgiving. Are you looking forward to it?

Many people have mixed feelings about the holidays. A lot is expected from us. As a result, we can lose our focus and become distracted by the busyness of the season. Read the "7 Steps to "Drama-Free" Holidays" and learn how to protect your peace of mind.

As for me, I have learned my lessons over the years. I love the holidays and I do my best to enjoy every moment. As I look around, I know there is a lot to be thankful for.

To begin with, I am grateful for all of you who are reading this right now and for those who have been with me from the beginning, cheering me along, supporting me, and inspiring me.

I am grateful for the awesome, unpredictable, and rewarding journey of my life.

I am grateful for all my friends. They choose to see the best in me always, but they never hesitate to tell me the truth and challenge me.

I can go on and on. The blessings are numerous and sometimes disguised, but always there.

Last but never least, I am grateful for my fantastic children and my loving, supportive husband. I don't know where I would be without them. Their love makes everything shine and they are the daily reminders of all that really matters.

What are you grateful for? Take five minutes to close your eyes and take it all in. Acknowledge it all and let the feelings of gratitude and peace fill you up.

My best wishes for a loving, enjoyable Thanksgiving!

Had Enough With Drama? Try the 7 Steps to “Drama-Free” Holidays!

There is no denying it. Thanksgiving is around the corner and there is more to come. I love the holidays, having the kids home, getting together with friends and family, sharing great food and wine, and laughing with everybody's stories.

It sounds great and it usually is. Except that, when people get together during the holidays, drama invariably creeps in. People are tired and overwhelmed and the weather is getting colder. Trapped in seasonal ritual, many become resentful and rebellious during the holidays.

We know we are caught up in drama when we sense our emotions flaring and things get out of hand. The sense of drama usually builds up and before we know it, we are at its grip.

Drama can be caused by internal family conflict due to unspoken issues and misunderstandings. It may stem from past issues, present challenges, and difficult dynamics. Sometimes drama has its source in mounting unrealistic expectations, sheer exhaustion, and resentment. It comes from making a commitment without thinking it through.

I find that thinking ahead and having a plan helps me hold the drama at bay. Consider the following:

1. Sit down and take some time to think the situation through. Visualize the day, the weekend, the family get together. What are some potential pitfalls?
    
2. Visualize a positive outcome for everyone involved. Create a new, positive intention. See people enjoying each other’s company and having a good time. See yourself having a good time. Articulate an affirmation that you can repeat to yourself when you start feeling edgy and frustrated. Infuse the day with the power of your intention.
    
3. Write down what needs to be done. Break it down in smaller steps and look at everything. Be realistic. How much of this can you do without help? Don’t be a martyr. Scale the project down, if you have to.
    
4. Ask for help. Reach out and delegate. If you don’t have enough help, think of alternative ways to handle the work.
    
5. Let go of expectations. Instead of trying to be perfect, try to see perfection in what is. Sometimes good enough is good enough. If something is putting extra pressure on you, let it go!
    
6. Identify source of potential drama dynamics. Think of the people involved. If you are going to find yourself in the company of someone who always pushes your buttons, ask yourself: “How would I like to feel and act instead?” Create a picture in your mind and articulate clearly how you would like to feel and behave in the presence of this person. Talk to a trusted friend, your therapist, your coach, anyone who can help you change the picture. Think of ways to protect your emotional state and peace of mind. Re-discover your sense of humor!
    
7. Understand that you can only take responsibility for your behavior. If there is anything you can do to prevent unnecessary drama, do it. If you feel that having a conversation with someone in advance could help, go ahead and have the conversation. Accept that some things are out of your control though, so be prepared to walk away and take care of yourself.

I have found over the years that intimidating situations become more manageable when I think ahead, manage my expectations, and make a commitment to protect my peace of mind. When I take the time to prepare and set my intention, the outcome is often a pleasant surprise.

My best wishes for a most enjoyable Thanksgiving!
___________________

©2008 Open for Success. All rights reserved.
If you'd like to use this article in your own newsletter, on your web site, or on your blog, you are welcome to reprint it in its entirety with an active link to my web site and the following author info:
"By Yota Schneider of Open for Success. Working with high powered professionals and entrepreneurs to help them restore their sense of balance and purpose. http://www.openforsuccess.com."

Yota Recommends

If you are interested in turning your skills and talents into a successful home-based service business, check out my colleague Kimberly Reddington’s popular and FREE special report written exclusively for mothers who wish to work AND stay home with their children.

To leverage your skills and discover 
“4 Lifesaving Keys to a Successful Service Business for Mothers”, visit http://www.CereusWomen.com

Subscriber Information

Open for Success respects your privacy and does not give out or sell subscriber names and / or e-mail addresses.

If you wish to be taken off this list, simply look to the top or the bottom of this ezine and update your options.

You are welcome to pass this ezine to your friends and colleagues as long as the entire content is kept intact.

If this ezine has been forwarded to you, I invite you to sign up to receive your own copy.