Week 35: “I Am Going to Have a Wonderful Day!”
Last week, we talked about navigating holiday stress through reflection, intentional boundaries, and micro-moments of self-care. With Turkey Day behind us and the rest of the holiday season in full swing, I’ve been reflecting on a recurring theme in my sessions: how challenging it can be to create space for joy when stress, grief, or overwhelm take center stage.
This week, I want to share a deceptively simple (and brilliant) practice inspired by my 3-year-old. Lately, in the morning as I drop her off at daycare, she has looked at me and declared, “Mommy, I am going to have a wonderful day!” No hesitation, no qualifiers. It’s like she’s manifesting a toddler TED Talk on optimism. But here’s the thing—it’s not just adorable. She’s setting an intention, claiming her vibe, and making space for possibility.
This holiday season, let’s take a page from her playbook. While the holidays can amplify stress, loss, or perfectionism, they can also invite us to reclaim our days and create moments of peace and meaning—regardless of our circumstances.
Why Declare Your Day?
Much like we discussed last week, the holidays often come with high expectations. From managing family dynamics to striving for “perfect” celebrations, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But what if, instead of succumbing to the pressure, we began each day with an affirmation like my daughter’s?
The act of declaring, “I am going to have a wonderful day,” is more than just positive thinking. Research shows that affirmations can help reframe our mindset, reduce stress, and bolster resilience. It’s not about denying challenges; it’s about anchoring ourselves in hope and setting an intention to find something meaningful, no matter what unfolds.
From Reflection to Intention
In last week’s post, I invited you to reflect on what matters most to you during the holidays. Let’s build on that practice:
Start Each Day with Intention
Before the day begins, take a moment to declare how you want to approach it. “I will find small moments of joy today,” or, “I will make space for rest and connection.” These simple phrases serve as a reminder that, even in the busiest or hardest of times, you have the power to choose your perspective.Focus on What You Can Control
Last week, we explored setting boundaries. Pair those boundaries with a clear focus on what you can influence. Family drama? Can’t control it. The weather? Definitely not. But your reactions? That’s all you. You can’t control others’ actions, but you can control how you respond. You can’t erase stress entirely, but you can take small steps to care for yourself amid it. When things start to spiral, pause and remind yourself of your intention.Celebrate Micro-Moments
Echoing the concept of micro-moments of self-care, look for opportunities to celebrate tiny victories. Did you navigate a tricky family conversation? Did you survive a shopping trip without muttering under your breath? Win. Found five minutes for yourself amid the chaos? Double win. Made it through the day without snapping at someone? Gold star. These small victories matter, and they add up.
When Wonderful Feels Far Away
Life during the holidays can feel anything but wonderful. Let’s be real: some days are just hard. For those grieving, facing financial stress, or overwhelmed by obligations, the idea of “having a wonderful day” might feel unattainable. That’s where flexibility comes in:
Redefine “Wonderful”
A wonderful day doesn’t have to be perfect. It might be a day where you allow yourself to rest or a day where you find a single moment of peace amid chaos.Start Small
If declaring a wonderful day feels too big, try something smaller: “I will find one thing to smile about today.”Lean on Rituals
Create or return to small rituals that bring comfort—lighting a candle, listening to a favorite song, or sipping tea mindfully.Give Yourself Permission to Be Human
Some days, the best you can do is just get through. And you know what? That’s enough.
Finally…
As you navigate the coming weeks, I encourage you to try this practice. Begin each day with your own version of “I am going to have a wonderful day.” Pair it with last week’s strategies—reflection, boundaries, and self-care—to create a season that feels a little more intentional and a little less overwhelming.
Remember, the holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. They can hold joy and chaos, laughter and stress, all at once. But even in the hardest moments, you have the power to reclaim your day.
Here’s to taking back your days, whether it’s one morning, one hour, or even one minute at a time.
