Happy? Holidays

Hello Friends,

Here come the holidays again… the bright lights, the joyful music, the togetherness with friends and family. So why are you feeling so sad?

Experiencing deep profound grief during the holiday season is actually very common. Speaking from a point of seasonal cycles, in the northern hemisphere, we are slowing down. The days are shorter, darker, and colder. Beyond that, we may feel the loss of loved ones more palpably during the holidays, or the longing for a life we haven’t yet achieved, or even the pressure of meeting almost impossible expectations for fear of disappointing others.

And here is the million dollar question, how do we honor our feelings and allow ourselves to sit with them when everything around us is programming us to push through, be happy, and show up?

The answer is make time to look grief in the face the number one thing on your list. You may immediately feel yourself go into resistance at this thought, “But I have to do ____ first.” “There’s not enough time…” “I can take time for me after the holidays.”

The bottom line is that this grief will continue to grow and weigh you down if it’s not seen and heard. It will put a dark cloud over you and all that you try to do which then ripples out to all of those around you. Grief shows us not just what we’ve lost, but what truly matters to us. It shows us how much we really care and, THAT is beautiful. If you’re struggling with the loss of a loved one, spend some time honoring them by sharing your stories of them or just looking through old photos and allowing yourself to be with them in that moment. If you’re overwhelmed with a longing with a life that has not yet come to be, take time to see, feel, hear, and know this “dream” life through visualizing or even make a vision board so you have tangible images to keep you focused. If you’re feeling the pressure of unrealistic expectations, tune back into love and let it lead you. When we give from the heart, we give the very best.

And most importantly, remember that you are not alone. If you find yourself being unable to pull yourself out of the heaviness, reach out for help. The National Mental Health Hotline is available 24/7 by calling 866-903-3787.

You matter, you are enough, and you are so very loved.

Wishing you the best holidays possible!

Stephanie