Tis the Season
To be honest, I haven’t even put my very minimal thanksgiving decorations away yet. Don’t get me wrong I LOVE Christmas and all the sparkle and wonder it brings. The decorations make life feel so festive, it’s not something I am intentionally avoiding.
However it has been a year since my dad passed away, my thoughts linger on those final days and missing his voice. I am struggling with the energy to put forth effort needed to do all the seasonal traditions. Life seems to whiz by at full speed, I find my heart is wishing for it to slow down…just so I can process how I am feeling.
Busy, even though usually a good kind of busy, sometimes keeps us from catching our breath and understanding our hearts. And for me, it is a breath I desperately need. I imagine it is part of living through a holiday that brings layers of memories, longings, checklists and expectations that brings the sentiment to the forefront.
Everyone feels different during the holidays, and some years are unique to others. I want to remind myself that tears can mix with smiles, and that is okay. It is part of this beautiful human experience. And accepting that truth, just means I am accepting what my body already knows.
My hope is that however you are beginning this December, that you begin it just as you are. Not trying to force anything or meet some culture requirement to keep up. Taking time to treasure the holiday the way you want. And free to do what you can, and not what you can’t. Whatever traditions you are creating, holding on to or letting go of…just know that there is no wrong way.
Something you can’t get to, it’s okay. Something you really love to do, go for it! Recently suffered loss? Release whatever you can and hold onto to the parts that feel like love.
I am convinced we can show up to this season however we need to. All the feelings are valid - excitement and joy - and tenderness too. If December didn’t start out the way you hoped know that in the words of my very wise yoga teacher, you can always begin again.
Tis the season to gather up some hope and give it away as much as we can. Thinking of you and wishing you lots of warmth and wonder…however you show up for it…let it be sprinkled with lots of hope.
XO,
Jenna
Journal Prompts:
What are you hoping to do this holiday season?
Is there something you would like to let go of?
How can you bring hope to someone else this month?
What is one way you can be kind to yourself?
