The holiday season: a magical time of lights, laughter, and joy. However, the simplicity of these elements of the holiday season are often overshawdowed by the whirlwind of to-do lists, crowded shopping malls, travel plans gone awry, and endless social obligations. Add to that the constant flood of distressing headlines from a 24/7 news cycle, and it’s no wonder many of us feel frazzled and disconnected.

But what if we paused, just for a moment, and shifted our focus? What if instead of zeroing in on the chaos or negativity around us, we made space to reflect on the good things—both in our personal lives and the world at large?

The Holiday Hustle We Know All Too Well

From Black Friday to New Year’s Eve, life can feel like an unending sprint. The pressure to create the “perfect holiday” is real; perfect gifts, perfect decorations and perfect meals. And then there’s the emotional toll. For some, the season stirs feelings of nostalgia or loss. For others, it’s a reminder of what feels missing in their lives.

Layered atop this seasonal stress is the omnipresent news cycle. It seems every time you glance at your phone, you’re hit with updates about disasters, conflict, or political drama. It’s overwhelming, and it can easily lead us to focus more on what’s wrong in the world than what’s right.

The Power of Reflection

What if you pressed pause and gave yourself permission to breathe? Taking a moment to reflect doesn’t erase the challenges, but it can shift your perspective, allowing you to see the beauty and joy that might be hiding in plain sight.

Here are a few simple ways to reflect on the good this season:

Thoughts of Gratitude

Carve out a few minutes each day to think about three things you’re grateful for. These could be big—like your job—or small, like the way your morning coffee tasted. Focusing on gratitude has been shown to reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

Celebrate Wins, Big and Small

Take time to acknowledge the milestones you’ve achieved this year. Maybe you grew closer to a friend, started a new hobby, or simply made it through a tough patch. Each win, no matter the size, is worth celebrating.

Limit News Consumption

Consider setting boundaries for how and when you consume news. Turn off notifications and dedicate a specific time to catch up on current events, ideally after you’ve done something grounding, like exercising or meditating.

Engage in Acts of Kindness

Sometimes, the best way to find joy is to give it. Whether it’s donating to a local food bank, volunteering, or simply offering a genuine compliment, spreading positivity can remind you of the goodness in humanity.

Revisit Happy Memories

Flip through photos, listen to a favorite song from a cherished time in your life, or reminisce with loved ones about joyful moments. These reminders of happiness can serve as a powerful counterbalance to negative noise. Reflecting Matters

Focusing on the good doesn’t mean ignoring the difficulties around us. Instead, it’s about choosing not to let those difficulties dominate our mindset. By reflecting on what’s good, we remind ourselves of the resilience, kindness, and beauty that still exist.

As you move through this holiday season, remember to be kind to yourself. Life is messy, and perfection is a myth. What truly matters are the moments of connection, gratitude, and joy you allow yourself to embrace.

So, amidst the hectic schedules and relentless news cycles, take a deep breath. The world may be complicated, but your ability to find joy—even in the smallest things—can make this season truly special.