The holiday season can be like a melodic tune that’s composed of the laughter and fun shared with family and friends. Though for some, taking time to celebrate on paid days off from work might not feel much like a celebration. If instead of experiencing merriment you’re feeling resentment or maybe sadness, grief or loneliness, I’d like to be your friendly reminder to be mindful that you’re not being a Scrooge or a Grinch.
For some, the holidays can bring attention to the fact that you live far away from the one you love. This time of the year can also be a reminder that your family is not as close and tight knit as they used to be. The holidays can be a very hard time of year and season for many.
If you’re feeling a bit humbug instead of full of cheer, jolly and ho-ho-ho laughter, help yourself reframe how you think and feel about this time with these following tips:
- Take Advantage of Time Off: Days off create space to do nothing. While doing nothing can feel like boredom, isolation or loneliness, doing nothing is like the equivalent of recharging any battery. You know you must put that phone down and charge it overnight if it is to be ready for the next day’s use. Similarly, it’s very important to recharge you – for your mind, body and soul.
- Isolation Creates Clarity: Think about all you have to juggle daily. The feeling and the silence associated with isolation is like the equivalent of watching water boil. The stillness in the pot prepares an environment for the cool water to come to a rolling boil. If you desire to turn up the heat on your life, respect the stillness, the chill and the quiet. Once things heat up again it may be harder to find quiet time.
Respect the stillness, the chill and the quiet.
- Love the One You’re With: If you can’t be with the one you love, love the one you’re with. Being far from family or the object of your affection can be difficult. However, practicing self-love and self-care teach you how to enjoy your own company. When you value your own company, you will rely less on the presence of others to make you feel fulfilled.
Every season is a chance to grow, progress and be jolly. This holiday season is as good a time as any to see things differently. The best gift of all you can give yourself is the gift of finding ways to have more ho-ho-ho laughter and to feel merrier. If you’d like assistance with understanding what helps you feel merry, contact us at tanyikamoorehealingarts.com for more information.
By: Tanyika “Tann” Moore, LMFT
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