It is that time when the holiday lights are blinking in our homes. Decorations can be seen from every other window. Most plans for the season’s festivities are in the works. There will be holiday office parties, Kris Kringle exchanges, and gift-giving on overdrive. Families and friends are beginning to gather for a year in review.
If you are coupled up with a boo, cozying up with a feel-good holiday movie is part of the fun during this magical period. The whirlwind fantasy filled with cheer and kindness can be beautiful but also overwhelmingly sad for millions around the world.
The feeling of loneliness is not uncommon at this time of the year. You can have a life filled with people that care for you but it does not necessarily, eliminate the sensation of being alone. Reasons vary from person to person, they include the absence of a support network, nostalgia or sadness caused by memories that are emotionally charged, or dealing with real life vs. social media’s picture of the holidays.
I have experienced the joy and blues of Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year celebrations. People will tell you the best way out of despair is to spend time with others but gravity seems to push towards alienation. If you are in a place of solace, you should know there are alternatives to encourage a better mindset. Hopefully, one of these may help you feel a little less lonely this year.
- Allow yourself grace. Embrace what you feel without dwelling. Nurture, pamper and give yourself the love you deserve. Consider activities that will bring you happiness at this moment. It can be scheduling brunch with friends, shopping for a new perfume or outfit, making an appointment for a massage, or simply treating yourself to your favorite restaurant. Any time of the year is a good time to practice self-care.
- Challenge yourself to do something different or new! Plan a trip or adventure to look forward to next year. Make plans to get you excited about what is coming after the jolly holiday time.
- Your first instinct may be to close the blinds, mute the phone and shut yourself from the world. It is normal to feel that way but don’t do it! Seek out friends, people who make you laugh and really see you. There is great strength in vulnerability, lean into the people that love you to help get you through this moment.
Use this holiday season to reflect on everything you have overcome this year. You are stronger, wiser, and better for it. Now ask yourself, what is one step you can take today that will get you closer to where you want to be this time, next year?
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