BLOG OF FIRST LADY OF LOUISIANA DONNA EDWARDS
LOUISIANA FIRST FOUNDATION
Celebrating the Holidays Through Art
Holiday Cheer for Louisiana’s Foster Children
Human Trafficking Training
IS IT A HAPPY HOLIDAY FOR YOU?
Self-Care for High-Vibration Holidays
by Dione Joseph-Breckenridge, MS, LPC-S
For some people, the holiday season is their time of year. Just as with everything else, women make it happen. Everyone looks to us to coordinate all the festivities. Our daily duties don’t stop; we just add this to our already overburdened schedules. Between planning luncheons, dinners, parties, gift shopping, decorating, and spreading general cheer —–Whew chile…too much—— we can experience feeling overwhelmed, sad, or alone. We miss loved ones that are no longer with us and traditions that have ceased. Here are some tips to help you cope and add positive vibrations to your holidays.
Say No. I know you are saying, “she came right out of the gate with it.” Sit down and look at your calendar for the month. Politely decline invitations, especially if it’s something that is draining or stressful. Set boundaries around how much time you spend on holiday projects.
Make a Budget. Make a budget and stick to it. Your financial health contributes to your overall health. You don’t want to be paying for this holiday season, next holiday season. Thoughtfulness does not have to be expensive.
Daily Self-Care is Non-Negotiable. There are tons of apps with guided mindfulness exercises. Take time to breathe and gather yourself. Practice saying positive affirmations throughout the day. Keep up with your daily skincare regimen. Soak in the tub. Listen to your daily hype music.
Protect your Temple. Try to eat healthy as much as possible but enjoy some holiday specialties. Stay hydrated and drink holiday libations in moderation. Try to stick to your exercise routine. Make sure to refill medications with consideration given to pharmacy closures. Continue to take your vitamins.
Ask for Help. Be kind to yourself by admitting you are overwhelmed and need support. Talk to someone about your feelings. If you see a therapist, keep appointments. If you don’t, consider seeing a therapist. Do not isolate yourself when you are feeling sad or depressed.
Keep the Main Thing, The Main Thing. Prioritize what is really important to you. Connect with your partner, spend time with those you love, or accomplish a goal. Set realistic expectations for your hopes for the season. Share holiday duties. Let go of the idea of a perfect holiday. It is what you make it.
End Of Year Giving
As 2022 comes to a close, we would like to offer our sincerest THANKS to all our supporters throughout the year. We have accomplished so much, but there is still much to be done.
People of
Louisiana
Les Fideles
Memorable Verse
December 2022
THE FIRST DOGS
December 2022
Should Santa Claus need any additional reindeer this Christmas, Bandit, Lady, and Mollie are reporting for duty!
A native of New Orleans, Louisiana, Delery has lived there all of her life except during undergraduate school and a brief stint in Seattle, WA. She is a mother to four boys, ranging in ages from 21 to 16, and they are the heart and soul of her life.
Delery earned her undergraduate degree from the University of Southern Mississippi and Master’s Degree from Louisiana State University. She completed a fellowship at Loyola University, New Orleans Institute of Politics, and currently attends Harvard Kennedy School of Public Policy. Her volunteer work has mostly evolved from issues that have affected her personally. Actively engaged in disability rights advocacy, Delery has testified numerous times in the Louisiana Legislature regarding issues that affect persons with developmental disabilities. She served as the chair of the Louisiana Developmental Disabilities Council, worked for seven years directing regional advocacy efforts and is a graduate of Louisiana’s Partners In Policymaking.
