Articles

Taking Care of Your Holiday Blues    

The holiday season is fast approaching and I recognize that this season is often anticipated with feelings of ambivalence. One part of our self may be happy about having some down time to relax and to spend with friends and family and the other part of our self may be experiencing feelings of sadness, disappointment and loss.  While there are people who have the holiday season to share with loved ones, there are others who are disconnected from their family and who may not have anyone with whom to share the holidays.

There are people who are fortunate to be healthy and who have employment and a life that brings them joy.  There are others who are struggling with physical and/or mental illness and who may have lost a job close to the holiday season or over the course of this past year.  There are people who have experienced a loss of a loved one due to death or separation. We ask people to be mindful of these facts and to be empathic towards other people’s experiences.  Also, be compassionate with yourself when you are feeling sadness or disappointment.  Don’t judge yourself harshly if you are feeling a sense of loss and grief. 

If you are feeling this ambivalence, take time to care for yourself.  Plan for something that will bring you joy, whether you are alone or with other people.  As the season approaches, be thinking about what you can do during the holidays that you enjoy.  Make a plan for doing things in which you are interested.

The famous poet, Rainer Maria Rilke, offers:  “…joy and sadness exist simultaneously during times of loss and grief.  We must continue to keep in mind that life is a precious gift that can be taken away in an instant and should be valued on a regular basis…”