family gathered in the living room, in the 1800s
Image by Cedric Archer

InnerSelf.com welcomes your inner Self.


As we enter the holiday season and approach the new year, it can be a time of stress for many... whether because of travel plans, shopping frenzy, being with people that you've had "issues" with in the past or that don't "understand you". And even if you don't have any relationship, travel, or shopping challenges, sometimes just the energy of the people and events around us can be overwhelming. So the thing for us to remember is that we are in charge of ourselves, and not of anyone else. We are in charge of our attitudes and words and actions, not those of anyone else.

Just focusing on what is in your control (which is you and your actions) takes away a lot of the stress and emotional challenges. And just as you recognize your scope of influence, also give others the leeway to have their own opinions and actions even if (or especially if) they don't mesh with yours.

We are all on this planet to experience life on earth, and to grow into our fullness, and that process is different for everyone. One person's journey may require going through addiction, and another person's path would be through meditation and yoga. We cannot judge the efficiency or purpose of anyone else's path.

We are only in charge of our own path, of our own attitudes, and our own actions. Remembering that as you come into contact with people who challenge your attitudes, your beliefs, your vision of the future, is the way to remain centered in peace, no matter who or what is around you. 

Wishing you a loving and compassion-filled holiday season,

...with Peace, Love, Gratitude, and Joy,
Marie T. Russell,
editor/co-publisher, InnerSelf.com
"New Attitudes...New Possibilities"

Scroll down for the new articles, videos, and audios that were added to the InnerSelf.com website this week.

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NEW ARTICLES OF THE WEEK

 

a woman with wind blowing on her hair standing at a crossroads in full sun

Looking for Someone to Fix Your Life and Make It Better?

Author: Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Learn how to find your inner wisdom, make transformative life choices, and create lasting fulfillment and joy. You can embrace self-empowerment and stop seeking external fixes.
Continue reading   (with video recap and audio of the full article.)

 

two women wearing sunglasses standing in front of each other talking

To Have Good Relationships, Avoid These Four Bad Habits

Author: Jude Bijou

Master the art of communication with four essential rules. Break bad habits and foster love and understanding in your relationships.
Continue reading    (with video recap and audio of the full article.)


innerself subscribe graphic


 

Is quercetin in grape skins the main culprit?

How Avoiding Perfection Traps Transforms Your Life

Author: Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

Have you ever found yourself stuck, paralyzed by uncertainty, unable to decide because you didn’t have all the facts? You’re not alone. Most of us have been there—waiting for the “perfect moment” or the “absolute truth” before taking action. But here’s the truth: waiting too…
Continue reading    (with video recap and audio of the full article.)

 

woman sitting on the edge of her bed facing an open window

Aging Magically: Growing into a Strong Sense of Self

Author: Cait Johnson

Discover how to transform your home into a sacred space for magical aging. Clear clutter, embrace your authentic self, and create a nurturing environment that reflects your spiritual growth.
Continue reading

 

a man on a solitary walk on a path next to a paved road

Turning a Walk Into a Spiritual Journey

Author: by Michael J. Gelb and Bruce Fertman

Transform your daily walk into a spiritual journey. Discover how to set intentions, cross thresholds mindfully, and embrace walking as a path to personal transformation and self-discovery.
Continue reading

a woman looking at herself in a hand-held mirror

We Teach Best What We Need to Learn

Author: Marie T. Russell, InnerSelf.com

Discover how life often mirrors what we most need to learn. Explore how everyday encounters act as a mirror, reflecting our growth, challenges, and opportunities for self-discovery.
Continue reading   (with video and audio of the full article.)

 

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The Dangers of Deregulation: Lessons from the Fourth Turning

Author: Robert Jennings, InnerSelf.com

The Fourth Turning's crisis phase is here, bringing deregulation risks that affect wealth inequality, environmental safety, and public protections.
Continue reading

What are the latest holiday scam tactics?

Holiday Scams Protection: Stay Safe This Season

Author: Shaila Rana and Nelly Mulleneaux, Purdue University

Holiday scams are evolving with AI, targeting online shoppers and vulnerable families. Learn how to protect yourself and loved ones with essential safety tips.
Continue reading

 

A heartwarming Christmas advert showing festive decorations, nostalgic music, and joyful family scenes designed to evoke emotion and holiday cheer.

How Emotional Christmas Advertising Drives Consumer Behavior

Author: Carl W. Jones, University of Westminster

Emotional Christmas advertising captivates audiences through nostalgia, music, and storytelling. Major brands like John Lewis and Coca-Cola use proven marketing strategies to engage consumers during the festive season. From heartwarming campaigns to humorous and empowering…
Continue reading

 

Practical tips for enjoying wine without the pain.

Why Red Wine Gives You Headaches and What to Do

Author: Andrew Waterhouse and Apramita Devi, University of California, Davis

Do you suffer from headaches after drinking red wine? Science points to quercetin, a compound in grape skins, as a possible cause. Discover how this phenolic disrupts alcohol metabolism, leading to discomfort, and learn tips to choose headache-free wines.
Continue reading

 

The Moment Bob Dylan Revolutionized Modern Music

The Moment Bob Dylan Revolutionized Modern Music

Author: Ted Olson, East Tennessee State University

In 1964, Bob Dylan’s creative leap at Newport marked a turning point in music history. From folk icon to rock pioneer, Dylan inspired generations by breaking boundaries.
Continue reading

 

man walking on the beach with seagulls flying all around him

Why Seagulls Don’t Want Your Chips as Much as You Think

Author: Neeltje Boogert, University of Exeter

Discover why seagulls steal beach snacks, the real reasons they do, and how to deter them while respecting their conservation needs and their preference for fish over human food.
Continue reading

 

a scape of a city with heavily polluted air

How Poor Indoor Air Quality is Polluting Our Cities

Author: César Martín-Gómez and Arturo H. Ariño, Universidad de Navarra

Poor indoor air quality is not only making us sick but also contributing to urban pollution. Discover how building emissions affect cities and the strategies to mitigate them.
Continue reading

 

photo of King Charles (when he was still Prince Charles)

How King Charles’ Diet Could Affect His Cancer Survival

Author: Justin Stebbing, Anglia Ruskin University

King Charles’s (previously known as Prince Charles) choice to cut red meat highlights the role of diet in cancer survivorship. Learn how plant-based foods can support better outcomes and overall health.
Continue reading

 

a stop sign on a school bus

8 Steps to Make Schools Inclusive and Safe

Author: Pedro Adalid Ruíz, Universidad CEU San Pablo

Learn 8 essential steps to make schools inclusive and safe, including diversity training, student participation, anti-discrimination policies, and equitable resource access.
Continue reading



This Week's Astrological Overview

Nandina berries

Astrological Overview and Horoscope: Dec. 23 to 29, 2024

Author: Pam Younghans

This weekly astrological overview is based on planetary influences, and offers perspectives and insights to assist you in making the best use of current energies. This column is not intended as prediction. Your own experience will be more specifically defined by transits to your…
Continue reading   See article for audio and video/YouTube versions.



Articles this Week with Audio and/or Video

Editor's Note: See the list of individual articles above. Each article with a video and/or audio says so after the "continue reading" link. 

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