'Tis the season' when emotions run high and many experience the holiday blues. It is not uncommon even for those who are generally content with life to feel lonely and sad with a mix of anxiety and depression during holiday time. The reasons for this can vary depending on what is happening in your life and your outlook on things right now. Let us remember, all things are passing.
Having a holiday perspective that builds on hope, courage, peace and love may serve as a reminder that there are always things we can do to help ourselves.
First and foremost, it's ok to feel what you feel. Not everyone embraces the holidays with joy. Even if you start out with holiday cheer, the holiday stress can easily turn to holiday blues. Let the feelings surface, learn from them, and then let them pass. Your feelings are an indication of your aliveness, sensitivity and openness. Having our feelings is a sign of health and expressing them is an act of courage. Those who are honest about their emotions tend to be the least stuck and better able to return to a state of well-being much sooner than later. Find someone you can share your feelings with; someone who listens well and responds thoughtfully.
Be open to helpful alternatives for self-soothing through art, music, writing, meditation, prayer and fitness. Go to the places that bring comfort to you; do the things that make you feel good and spend time with people who love you. Sources of healing are everywhere; find what works for you and get the relief you need to help you move forward.
Tell yourself that whatever you feel today, tomorrow is another day and you may feel differently. Your struggles today are part of the human experience. Nothing more, nothing less. Respond with self-compassion and not self-judgment.
As you experience this season, take the time to be intentional in recognizing and acknowledging how you have been loved and cared for by others. The practice of being thankful helps us focus on what we have rather than what we don't have. No matter what we are going through today, there is always something to be thankful for.
Stay in the present moment as much as possible. Look at what is right in yourself, in others and the world around you. Accept the warmth and support from others; let yourself cry when the tears are there, but don't be afraid to laugh. This will get you through.
If you experience painful thoughts, acknowledge them and let them pass. Allow them in and out without beating yourself up over it. It's all part of our humanness. Inner peace will come when we allow ourselves to see what is.
In good times and in bad times, nothing stays the same and as Victor Hugo once said, "even the darkest night will end and the sun will rise." Whatever place you are during this time of year, this is but a moment in time.
'Tis the season' to just BE.
Thank you for reading!
