“Even if we don’t have the power to choose where we come from, we can still choose where we go from there.” – Stephen Chbosky

It’s holiday season, at least for my family, and with that brings a range of responsibilities, socialization, and the personal bane of my existence: seasonal depression. The sun decides to set itself early, robbing us of its healing rays. If you are anything like me, you are probably experiencing it as well.

The holidays are hard. Between the chaos of seasonal fun and “family dinners” that highlight the dysfunction, usually a reminder as to why some people should never be welcome to sit at your table… even if they have in the past. But why?

Why do we do that to ourselves?

Holidays are often used as an excuse to monopolize our emotions and desires. Social norms tell us we need to spend all our money to show how much we appreciate them through the gifts we bring, while also exploiting the hearts of the truly lonely. Meanwhile, we allow the people who continually hurt us to come around. We tell ourselves, it’s the holidays… it’ll be over soon. But we would never accept that at any other point in our lives. Why now?

There is too much going on right now to make excuses for others. Focus on taking the days as they come and the people who truly value you as much as you do them.

Oh, and don’t forget your fiber! 💓

Sincerely,

Shay

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