My List for the Holidays

The holidays are a tough season for a lot of us. And not just the first year, or the second. I still have my moments close to twenty years later. What's different for me is that I’ve discovered what works for me and what doesn't. So I wanted to take a few minutes to share what I've found works for me.

• Remember the greatest gift is sharing memories

• Allow yourself to say no to invitations without needing to justify or make excuses

• Let people know you’d like to hear when they are missing them too

• Allow yourself to change your mind often

• Enlist people close to you to help you honor them in some meaningful way

• Remember the holidays will never be the same and that’s okay

• Allow yourself to cry, laugh, or leave when you need to

• Remind those around you that much of what you do is a reflection of your grief or self-care, not your feelings about the holidays, or your friends and family

• Allow traditions to change to accommodate the missing space

You can also take the list above and share it with your loved ones, giving them a glimpse of how they can help you.

My wish for any of you bracing for the highs and lows of the season, is that you'll allow yourself space to do any or all of the things that resonate with you.

Heidi