7 Days to Christmas: Start with Love
Start by being what you want to see in your family.

Never allow your joy to be diminished by yourself because you believe you are not worthy.
When you’ve lived under the influence of a narcissist, it’s not just the outside voice that breaks you down - it’s the inner one that grows in its place.
Their words of control, manipulation, and judgment begin to echo in your own thoughts.
You start doubting yourself.
You question your worth.
You silence your joy - because somewhere along the line, you started believing them.
This is how the narcissist keeps power:
Not just by what they say to you, but by training you to keep saying it to yourself.
But hear the secret:
You are not broken.
You are not too much.
You are not unlovable.
You were conditioned to believe you had to prove your worth to be accepted.
That’s not love - that’s control.
And it’s time to take your power back.
Your joy is sacred.
Your voice matters.
You do deserve the most beautiful, peaceful, abundant life. Not someday - now.
Come home to yourself.
And never hand your joy to anyone - especially not the version of them still whispering in your mind.
Always remember to be kind to yourself.
Sue Leppan is a life, transformation and holistic wellness coach based in Sandbaai, Hermanus. Providing therapy for a range of challenges, Sue specialises in targeting and dealing with emotional trauma, self-doubt, depression, stagnation and self-centring. Whether you need help with personal issues ...
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Read MoreStart by being what you want to see in your family.
By now, you might be on your way to the family. Be very sure that the first thing you pack is your sense of humour.
All of us want to know that we are heard and seen, and with that, we know that we are valued.
Arrange with the larger family to discuss responsibilities and what will be expected of every person.
Most of our problems stem from reactive behaviour.
Sit down with your “home” family and discuss what each one of you would like to experience during the holidays.