What’s Up with the Holiday Blues?

Do you ever feel guilty for not feeling chipper or cheerful this time of year? Maybe you think, "I have so much to be grateful for, so why do I feel _____ (fill in the blank with literally any other emotion)?"

I want you to know that no matter how much personal growth you’ve done or how great life is going, the holiday season can still feel tense, emotional, and even overwhelming.

Why?

The holidays often bring changes in routines, time spent with family (or without them), and heightened awareness of how life has changed—whether that’s for better, worse, or just different. These shifts can bring grief.

At the Grief Recovery Institute, grief is defined as "the conflicting feelings that come at the end of or change in a familiar pattern of behavior." That definition speaks volumes during the holiday season, a time when we reflect on the past, the present, and the expectations we’ve carried into this year.

If you’ve ever caught yourself wondering:

“Why am I not where I thought I’d be?”
“Why do I feel sad when I should feel happy?”
“If only I had ______.”

You’re not alone. These inner judgments are common, especially during this season of reflection.

So, what can we do?

To move through this time with more peace and ease, try shifting from self-judgment to self-compassion (relating kindly to yourself during challenging times). The key to this shift is curiosity.

Curiosity might sound like:

“Hmm, what is my body needing right now?”
“Hmm, what can I learn from this experience?”
“Hmm, would it be helpful if I had someone to vent to?”

Compassion also comes more easily when we give ourselves permission to feel all of our feelings—without labeling them as good or bad.

My Challenge for You:
This December, instead of judging yourself for what you have or haven’t done this year, ask yourself, “Who do I want to be moving forward?”

And remember, every moment is an opportunity to start fresh.

Visit my virtual home www.laurajack.com to learn more about all the ways I can support you and the people you serve.