What if some of your loved ones are difficult to be around due to their negative behavior, painful memories, or past trauma?
What if, instead of being magical and marvelous, the holidays are sad, stressful, and downright hard?
We don't often talk about
grief during the holidays. But it's especially difficult this time of year, when the pressure to be happy is the greatest. When some of our best memories and traditions are tainted with the sadness of what should have been or what will never be again.
Grief changes us. It redefines us forever. It alters our identity in fundamental ways, and it can be hard to find your footing afterwards.
Give yourself extra time, space, and grace. Practice extra self-care. And above all, give yourself permission to feel
all the feels. To be authentic. To say no when you need to.
Don't stuff. Don't hide. Don't pretend.
As a friend of mine always says, the only way through is through.
So go through it. At your own pace.
And know that you are
loved. You are worthy. And you are enough.
