22/12/2025
A seasonal reminder, for the weekend of the shortest day, that Christmas isn't always 'merry.'
If this season of jollity and connection jars for you, snags at your raw edges or catches your breath with loss, I'm sorry.
You're not alone. In fact, you're almost certainly near other people pretending to feel jolly whose hearts are numb, or empty, or broken.
I'm sorry the festivities leave little room for the things that matter most to some of us: memories of happier times, companionship that doesn't insist on good cheer, space for the names of the people or relationships we are yearning for.
In our compassionate community here, there are kind souls who help us hold our pain for a while. Thank you to all those loving hearts.
However you get through the season, I wish you moments of inner gladness, sparks of hope, and a sense that you matter whatever your mood. If you find yourself unexpectedly merry, I hope you'll be able to relish that moment. If you find it too hard to pretend, then don't. Instead, give yourself permission to sit with your distress. And remember that others often wonder how to help - so invite them to sit with you if you would welcome company.
We can get through this. We can do hard things. Look at us - we ARE doing hard things. Hold on, friends.
Sending love.
Photo is a December sunset. A moment of radiance. One of those soul-supporting . I hope you'll find yours xx
