All That Glitters

Downtown Fort Collins is totally magical during the holidays. A friend refers to it as our own personal Stars Hollow (from Gilmore Girls). But in spite of all that glitters, the holidays can expose underlying grief, anxiety, depression and other uncomfortable feelings that all humans carry. If you are struggling this season, you are not alone.

I wonder if it's because our hearts long to experience the magic but our current relational experience, life circumstances, or remembrance of losses are contrary to the cultural expectation of magic and delight at every turn. This can feel so lonely.

How do you embrace the spirit of the season and also honor what feels hard?

Protect time for both.

Journal or process the pain with safe people or in safe spaces, and also, go for a walk under the twinkling lights, go to the Christmas concert, call the one friend who sees you well, sit in the silent night just you and your tree, let the wave of tears flow knowing they will pass. Honor all of what life holds as valid, true, and real while also seeking the smallest moments of beauty, keeping our eyes wide open to the goodness that still exists. There is goodness. There is hope.

And also, if you're struggling, you're not alone. Reach out to one person for support. It only takes one kind soul of support to help you believe and experience the truth in your heart you are not alone. That may be a friend, a family member, a "chosen family" member, a therapist, or maybe even your pet ❤️. Don't journey alone. Safe human connection is healing.