Do you know how to find fulfillment during the holidays?

Do you know how to find fulfillment during the holidays? If you’re one of those people who can’t wait to decorate, bake, make gifts, plan parties, attend services, create rituals then you’ve found your jam…no suggestions needed. If, however, you’re one for whom holidays loom like dark clouds of grief, loss and trigger moments you may need some special sustenance to survive and even thrive these days.

Here’s the tip. First, see if you’re ready to acknowledge that you’re hurting. If yes, find a friend, family member, pastor to provide a tender ear or shoulder. Allow yourself to feel the sad, mad, scared emotions that lie beneath holiday dread. Seek professional support if necessary. No blame. Your pain is real and temporary when you know how to work with it.

It’s especially important to get out of your head. The painful stories that live there won’t go away when you’re caught up obsessing or suppressing. The way out is through. However, please process only as much as you can handle at a time. Sometimes just a tear, a stomp, a homeopathic dose will do.

The really good news is that anytime you let your body lead briefly through emotions, your heart opens, your energy softens, the present moment begins to arise shiny and new. Focus on any emerging good feelings until you feel your whole being relax. (Repeat as necessary.)

Now you’re ready to seek experiences that truly suit you…a walk in the woods, sunset on the beach, cooking favorite foods, music that gets your soul soaring; sweet, simple times with special people and animals, attending inspiring religious services. Be ruthless and move only toward what fulfills you…