**These blog postings are ONLY opinions/thoughts, not professional advice. If you feel you are at risk of hurting yourself or others, please reach out to medical professional immediately, dial 911, or call the National Suicide Prevention Hotline @ 1-800-273-8255**
Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Years, and many other important holidays sprinkled in between are fast approaching. There is a sense is joy, wonder, and excitement buzzing through the air. People are more kind, more helping, and generous. This is the season to reconnect with family and friends. The weather is changing and becoming a bit cooler. This always makes me want to rush home, put on my warmest pajamas, and sip something hot by an open fire. Sounds lovely, doesn’t it? While the Holidays should inspire and bring about these types of positive feelings, sometimes it doesn’t. Sometimes the Holidays are just a season of dread and loneliness and not a warm, fuzzy feeling like it is portrayed on a Hallmark card. The stress of high expectations for the Holiday Season to be picture perfect can be a bit overwhelming. This is where the "Winter Blues" can sweep in and take over. Knocking you down and leaving you to dwelve in the despair. And you know what? That’s ok! Believe that! It is ok to not be ok. But, what can you do about it?
First, acknowledge that you are upset, saddened, depressed, and/or lonely! It is alright to experience these emotions. These are normal human emotions, that every single person on the planet has experienced at some point in their lives. No one is happy all the time. No one is perfect, and life does not work that way.
Now that you have embraced the heavy emotion, release it! Don’t hold on to that negative energy. No need to let it consume your light and take over. Don’t let that emotion become you. And remember you are enough! Don’t let the expectation of throwing the best Christmas party, giving the perfect gift, or wearing the best festive outfit get in the way of your well desrved happiness. Just be you! You are enough and that is what is important. Not the stuff! The Holidays are about connecting with loved ones, the World, and the community around you. This brings me to my final tip.
Get out of your head and into the World!
Whether you are dining with family or friends, make the most of it! Some people may not have family or friends close by, but that doesn’t mean you cannot enjoy the Holidays. Go and start a new tradition, embrace the new. There is always a way to get out and relish in the Holiday spirit! Volunteer at a soup kitchen, foster a shelter animal, go see a play, or simply relax in your home and watch Christmas movies and dine on some delicious food! Whatever you choose, choose HAPPY!
