The Happiest (or Hardest) Time of the Year

The weather is turning, boots are out and the holidays have officially started!

At this point, we’ve survived Thanksgiving and have one month to go.

So, this is your check-in…

How’s your MINDSET? 

How are you FEELING?

 I spent my entire 20s dreading these two months. For some, it feels like the most wonderful time of the year, but for me, it felt like trudging through ice and snow in bare feet. 

Holidays to me, represented all the things I didn’t have. And despite heartfelt attempts from loved ones, for about 6 weeks every year I felt displaced, lonely, anxious and depressed. 

On the other hand, my Inner Child LOVED Christmas! 

Putting up lights, sitting by the fire, picking out perfect presents for people, singing Christmas carols, and seeing all the decorations —  it was FUN! 

But, for about a decade my INNER CHILD put a kibosh on the celebrations.

It was just too distressing for her to enjoy herself. At the time, holidays were filled with resentment, arguments, pain, and hurt.

But two years ago, I had ENOUGH!

I went to the store and bought two strands of lights; one colored, one white. 

I bought stockings to hang for me and my roommates, and a small tree. I blasted Christmas music as I decorated, by myself, for the first time since I was a teenager! 

I no longer wanted to be bound by the hardship of Christmas past. I wanted to MOVE FORWARD. I wanted my Free Spirit to have FUN and I wanted my Adult in charge, because I DESERVE it!

So many people have a hard time over the holidays because of OTHERS. I get it! I’ve been there!

But what about YOU? 

What do you WANT? 

What does your PERFECT holiday look like, regardless of people?

Do you want to decorate? Or watch Hallmark movies all day? Or go for a hike in the crisp, cool air? Or donate to a toy or food drive? Or bake cookies?

Tell me, what gives you a little spark of joy during LITERALLY the darkest time of the year? 

Now… follow that spark!

And if you’re having a hard time thinking of something, take a tip from Thanksgiving and give a little gratitude for the good in your life right now.

 Because there’s ALWAYS something to be grateful for.