Holiday Truth

On December 24, a friend confided that this Christmas, she’s feeling sad & untethered. Right now, she doesn’t want to be on this earth.

Then I saw photos of former mediation clients making breakfast together on Christmas morning, with their child. All were smiling. Remembering where they were when we started working together ( to give you an idea … it was after a session with them in a private office that I decided to switch to doing mediation in public spaces or on Zoom), when I saw their photos, a big smile lit my face.

Miracles are possible in the least expected places.

Yet these experiences got me thinking. Contrasts, the stuff from which life is made.

Most images of Christmas are like those shared by my former clients. We’re presented with a happy family. Smiling faces. Presents. People together.

We gloss over and ignore the sadness & grief that so many of us experience during this season. With our happiness & wishes of cheer, they feel even more isolated and untethered.

I know this because that was me for many, many years. Christmas was always the time of year when I felt the most alone. I would be with my family and the togetherness felt superficial. The cheer brought up so much pain.

Contrasts. The stuff from which life is made.

If we ignore the grief, the sadness that is part of this season, we diminish Christmas for us all.

Christmas is about embracing it all, about bringing light to the darkness that is inherent in this season. It isn’t about forcing cheer; it’s about unconditional love and acceptance.

At least, that’s what I believe Christmas to be. I no longer bake. This year, my son’s present was paying to get a rescue cat neutered. I let my kids cook & am happy when they say, “we’re spending Christmas Day with dad.” It’s about accepting it all. And about accepting ourselves and where we’re at on this journey of contrasts called life.

I see you, wherever you are on your journey, and I’m holding space for you. May you experience a moment of light & a spark of joy from being fully present for a moment during this season, whether it meets the Hallmark definition or not.

If you’re really struggling & want to talk, know I’m here to listen. All you need to do is reach out & book a call.