'Tis the Season

I made a couple posts on social media encouraging you to prioritize your wellbeing this holiday season. Here are some of those reminders:

It's not always best to be around certain family members during the holidays.

Make time to acknowledge loved ones who may longer be with you.

Don't feel obligated to stay somewhere that is making you feel overwhelmed, extremely anxious, unsafe or where your boundaries aren't being respected.

Listen to your body if it's telling you to rest.

You don't need to fill every second of the holiday with activities. Rest and togetherness are memorable and productive too. Beautiful memories can be made without the "extra."

For those who are forced to be around their abuser, mourning the loss of a loved one, feeling judged by their family, struggling with addiction, fighting an eating disorder, combating your daily mental struggles and the many circumstances not listed...you are not alone. The holidays aren't a joyous time for everyone and if that's you, there is nothing wrong with not feeling jolly like so many others seem to be.

The other day I started thinking about how difficult it must be for so many people who feel like they can't provide gifts or even basic necessities for their families right now. My mind went to those who may be contemplating no way out of their circumstances lately. There is a way through it and there are people who can help.

I imagine it would be stressful to manage children's expectations when you want to provide them the world. I know this post is after a lot of the gift giving holidays, but I encourage you not to put yourself into debt to save face with anyone. I've been working on shifting my focus away from tangible things and more toward experiences the past year myself and it has helped me to feel a little lighter.

Wishing you happy holidays and every day!

**Call or Text 988 if you or someone you know are struggling or in crisis, you can also Chat with someone at 988lifeline.org**