The airport bartender is busy over the holiday season. Not just due to the increased volume of travelers; she said it’s a mix between travelers ready to celebrate, and those drinking out of dread of visiting family. More specifically, she said she heard often from men: “I’m off to visit the inlaws…I need another drink”.

How much of that thinking results from the stories we tell ourselves? What if we instead approach family time with pure curiosity?

It might be difficult if they criticize, but remember these aren’t your chosen family. These aren’t the people you must choose to listen to if you don’t want to.

Instead, how often do we get such a close look into a different lifestyle? Into different viewpoints? Perhaps it’s an opportunity to cherish?