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

"Anger is a good indicator of a person trapped in survival and not knowing a way out."
Anger is part of your survival instinct - your Fight-Flight-Freeze response kicking in when you feel threatened. And in the past, that reaction may have been necessary. You were protecting yourself. You were doing what you could to feel safe in a moment that felt anything but.
What often happens: the threat passes… yet the response remains.
You carry the same defence into every situation - relationships, work, parenting - always bracing, always ready. Even though “the lion” is long gone, your body and mind are still on high alert.
There is no blame in this. What happened was real. But continuing to live in that response keeps you trapped in the past, unable to fully feel peace, connection, or calm.
You don’t need to fight to prove your strength anymore.
You don’t need to push people away to stay safe.
You don’t need to carry the weight of a battle that’s already over.
When you begin to explore what’s underneath the anger - with compassion, not judgment - you’ll find the doorway to freedom. To confidence. To real peace.
You are allowed to feel safe again.
You are allowed to live differently.
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.