1. I know that in the past I may have had a tendency to get stressed out by holiday gatherings. I may have initiated the agitated, stressed out energy, or I may have been sucked into others’. Either way, this year I am willing to act differently.

2. I am ready to commit to staying in a positive state, one in which the purpose of holiday parties–namely, to celebrate and be in the spirit of joy–remains at the forefront of my mind.

3. I am excited to let go of the nervous, fretful thoughts that have previously plagued my mind when faced with seeing people whom I have not seen for a long time.

4. More and more I own who I am, feel confident in where I’m at in life, and therefore don’t feel the need to compare myself to others.

5. I am looking forward to speaking with that person who has always annoyed me to no end in the past, because I am more equipped now than I was then to see past anything on the surface to the love in them.

6. I know that at any gathering there are bound to be people who exude love and joy, and those who are mired in cynicism. I know too that I can choose which type of person I want to engage.

7. I am so relieved that I don’t have to remain trapped in a conversation in which I feel uncomfortable, and I am looking forward to politely excusing myself if I feel it’s necessary.

8. I can’t wait to give my family and friends what they are really craving from me–my being fully present with them.

9. I am ready to put down the burden of small talk, and instead aim to engage with people on a deeper, soul level. When I ask a question it will be because I care about the answer, and those who I’m talking to will see that by the way I attentively receive their words of response.

There are 9 from me; add your verse in the comments below.