It’s the most wonderful time of the year.
And that’s a tall order.
Don’t get me wrong—I love this time of year. But the reality is the holidays are often a bit more complicated than that. Add in a year like 2020, and they’re a LOT more complicated. And there’s a good chance you may end up sad or disappointed if you expect things to be perfect and jolly.
The good news is YOU have the ability to make this season special. You have the power to create your own joy.
We often rely on others to meet our expectations and make us feel happy and fulfilled. While it’s important to have other people in our lives, it’s also important that we take responsibility for our own wellbeing.
Here are 3 steps to create your OWN joy this season:
Acknowledge your feelings and expectations. You don’t want to push away or stifle whatever you’re feeling right now. If you’re feeling let down, frustrated or loney, acknowledge those emotions and allow yourself to feel them. When you acknowledge those feelings, you create space for possibilities.
Dream. Allow yourself to dream up ways to make the season special. There’s no right or wrong way to do this—just get curious. What are you missing out on this year? Is there something else you could do that could give you a similar sense of joy? And think about ways you can create new traditions. What’s something you’ve always wanted to do?
Initiate. Now is the time to take a step forward. It’s easy to get overwhelmed by your emotions and feel stuck. This is your chance to get unstuck and make a move. What’s one thing you can start implementing now? Maybe it’s a Christmas movie marathon, or reading a Christmas book to your kids every night. It could be volunteering or donating to a charity. Start by picking one thing and taking action.
This holiday is undoubtedly going to look different than what we are used to. But it doesn’t have to be joyless. Take these 3 simple steps toward creating your own joy this season, and I promise you’ll find that there are still moments to be grateful for.
How can I help?
If you’re experiencing anxiety, loneliness, or just some heavy feelings this holiday season, it never hurts to get a little help. I highly recommend reaching out to a licensed counselor to work through those emotions and get the help you need to be healthy. Need a counselor? You can schedule a consultation with me here.
Disclaimer:
The content found on Integrative Counseling and Nutrition Consulting platform is not intended to be a substitute for professional therapeutic advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your psychiatrist, therapist or other qualified mental health provider with any questions you may have regarding a mental health condition.
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