Just a few little notes to self this week about keeping things real and for your highest good. This time of year, festive and happy are what comes to mind for many but unfortunately, that is not always realistic. Whether you are with family, friends or just find this time of year difficult to navigate:
Self-care comes first! Remember why you are on your healing journey, this will help in the decisions and reactions you make and have while with others.
Use past interactions with others as a reference for what you can expect with them this year.
Keep your expectations of others realistic. It is the season of goodness and light, but that does not always guarantee a happy, positive attitude with anyone. People are who they are.
Know your boundaries, be vocal about them, and keep them. If they are not respected you have the ability to remove yourself from the conversation and/or location.
If you find that you are in a place that is harmful or overwhelming to you, your healing, your mental state or are just in continuous discomfort, leave. Have a plan in place beforehand, then you will have this option at your disposal if needed. Pre-planning means you will not have to make decisions about “how” when you will most likely already be overwhelmed. You have the right to protect yourself.
Don’t go it alone. Plan to have friends on stand-by or even go with you.
Slow down. Really think through whether or not you want to go where you are invited. Sometimes it just has to do with your energy level. Saying no is okay (even if you’d like to go, remember self-care first!) No is a boundary. A necessary boundary. It is a boundary of self-care. There is a limit to what you allow yourself to give or others to freely take, without taxing or doing harm to yourself.
Lastly, you can always do your own thing! Make new traditions for celebrating during the holiday season. Or choose to do something different entirely.
Please take care of yourself this season, and may blessings be upon you.
Happy Solstice Everyone! Here’s to bringing in the light!
Dr. Nicole
