As I embark on the end of the year, rest is more important than ever.

I celebrate post pandemic, transitions, overcoming health challenges, losses and grief, and the journey of mental health recovery.

Since we relocated to another city my children and I have started new traditions.

We don’t worry about the mundane routine of family gatherings for Thanksgiving or Christmas anymore.

Instead, we create new memories by visiting new places, seeing new things or staying home to rest and reflect.

While I was able to kick stigma to the curb and eliminate any shame I experienced in the past from being around toxic family or friends, this has led to isolation over the years especially during the pandemic.

Yet, the loneliness and isolation helped me to embrace my whole self,  prioritize self care, trauma recovery, and reinvent myself.

I learned to be curious about my identity and spirituality while rebuilding/reinventing my life.

Doing shadow work in self discovery and therapy created a path to self acceptance.

What is life without accepting both the light and darkness?

The S.A.D.(ness) or Seasonal Affective Disorder we experience during the holiday or winter seasons brings chaos to our calm.

Although I pray often, meditate, journal and spend time alone sometimes I have had moments of doubt or feelings of failure.

As many feel during this time of year: unheard, unappreciated, unseen and unloved; sometimes it has been difficult to pray or reach out and connect with other people.

Several family members passed away and friendships ended. 

Grief has become a natural part of my healing journey.

I quote the gospel, an important sacred writing to me, “Ephesians 4:3: Get rid of all hard feelings, anger and rage. Stop all fighting and lying. Put away every form of hatred”. (NIRV)

When I find myself feeling angry, irritable or sad, I recognize the signs of burnout and am taking time to slow down.

I made the decision to use these holidays for rest and relaxation instead of finishing strong or doing more.

This is my time to give myself permission to evaluate what has and hasn’t worked during the year.

I am intentionally resisting the hustle and grind culture, disconnecting from social media and prioritizing rest. 

While others are getting ready for holiday shopping and sales I’m gearing up for a well deserved break.

Perhaps a phone call or two and time with my children, that is all I have left in me.

My plate is full, my cup runneth over and I know my limits.

As I get older I realize the things that mattered before the pandemic are less important.

We’re connected more digitally but less connected physically and spiritually.

I am focused on building my tribe or community.

Real support.

Real friends.

Real family.

Love.

Compassion.

Trust.

Integrity.


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