Self-Therapy For People Who ENJOY Learning About Themselves

MERRY CHRISTMAS!, HAPPY HANUKKAH!, or just "HAVE A FUN WINTER"!

This is my holiday present for you and for those who love you. Feel free to share it with anyone you care about.

PEACE ON EARTH

We hear the phrase "Peace On Earth" often during the holidays. We probably think about it only as an impossibly "dreamy" and altruistic goal, rather than as something achievable.

If, however, we ask ourselves what we citizens of earth could DO to bring about peace, what would be on our list....? We'd all have our own ideas, of course... and in a way that's what it would take - for each of us to pursue peace in our own way. But I'd like to tell you what would be on my list.

WHAT LARGE GROUPS OF US COULD DO TO BRING PEACE

THE MEDIA

Give us the Truth...! (Or, if you must lie when you advertise, at least limit it to that...!)

CORPORATIONS

The Truth... - or at least clearly identified advertising. Compassion for employees at all levels.

POLITICIANS AND POLICY-MAKERS:

The Truth.... at the very least when it comes to health and safety! Compassion - beginning with those at the bottom. The belief that each person is always more important than money.

EACH OF US

The Truth... More and more of it in all areas of our lives. Compassion for ourselves first, and then for everyone else. The belief that people are much more important than what they do. The belief that everyone is valuable (starting, of course, with ourselves).

WHAT PEOPLE WE ACTUALLY MEET CAN DO TO BRING PEACE

THOSE WHO ARE STRANGERS TO US

Accept and trust us - unless we've shown you that we don't deserve it.

DISTANT ACQUAINTANCES

Acceptance and trust. Minimal friendliness - at least enough to encourage us to treat you well.

REGULAR ACQUAINTANCES

Acceptance and trust. Minimal friendliness. Recognition - a nod, a wave, a "howdy" or something...!

OUR DISTANT FRIENDS

Acceptance and trust. Friendliness. Recognition. A minimal, but ongoing, sense of connectedness.

OUR FRIENDS

Acceptance and trust. Friendliness. Recognition. A sense of connectedness. The mutual desire to have fun together - even when we can't have it today.

OUR "FAMILY" OF FRIENDS AND RELATIVES

Acceptance and trust. Friendliness. Recognition. A sense of connectedness. The desire to have fun together. Caring about our deepest feelings - and respect for our ability to handle them unless we ask for help.

OUR SPOUSES, LOVERS, AND "SIGNIFICANT OTHERS"

Acceptance and trust. Friendliness. Recognition. Sense of connectedness. The desire to have fun together. Caring and respect. Your love and support every day - even on those days when everything else (above) isn't enough.

Happy Holidays!

Tell Santa That Tony Said To Give You What You Want This Year!

(... It may not help, but it can't hurt...)

next: How To Talk About Feelings