Thanksgiving has now passed, Hanukkah is ending, and we are in the middle of the holiday season. Whether we are preparing for times together with loved ones and friends, busy shopping, or volunteering for a good cause; our time is limited and for many our emotions are in flux. To write that this time is difficult would be an understatement. For many, we have lost someone close whether recently or in the past, and those people are on our mind. Regardless of how we try to move forward and focus on the present, those bonds of the past can have a dramatic impact on how we manage our daily lives.
For me, this time of the season is an ideal period to withdraw. This has less to do with missing specific people and the various roles they played in my life. Taking a step back is more about conserving my energy and being one with myself. Some people are caught up in the holiday routine and the many comings and goings, without clearly taking notice of their well-being. We want to be there for others but in some regard, we need to slow down and manage ourselves so that when the season ends, there is minimal crashing.
That is an interesting phrase, don’t you think? Minimal crashing is how I explain how one offsets the post holiday season. When the season ends, many return their focus to work or to previous routines and this can create an effect of feeling alone. Instead of going from one extreme to another, I suggest in between the holiday cheer, we take some time for ourselves. We focus on how to be comfortable, alone, so that when the season ends and forced alone time is here, we are better prepared and able to function.
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This might sound like a daunting recommendation, one that you might not be comfortable experiencing. Nevertheless, at some point, whether during the holiday season or not, we have to identify who we are and how we define our being when not with others. For many taking a step back will not only be a relief but a beautiful experience to learn more about yourself and how you want to move forward.
