Does December fill you with dread?
Along with ‘fomo’ and the social peer pressure to have a ‘fun time’ in a close familial setting, we also get asked to consider those less fortunate than ourselves. Footage of war victims in horrific circumstances, homelessness, poverty, victims of abuse and abandonment … Whilst this may be the antithesis to the promotion of happy party faces, laughter, shiny decorations, happy families; you may well feel neither applies to how you are feeling.
The constant visual bombardment of families and friends sitting at tables laden with food, gifts and alcohol can exacerbate anxiety, despair and sadness, especially when struggling with a fraught relationship with food, a dysfunctional family, cost of living, loneliness, grief, substance abuse, relationship breakdowns.
Consider the alternative of opting out of the default. What makes you feel soothed? For some that can mean shutting the world out and cocooning. Surround yourself with things that contribute towards your self care, be it a book, a call with someone meaningful, a nap in the afternoon, a piece of music, shutting newsreels down, volunteering, stroking a pet, etc.
Talking to a professional listener who does not judge, analyse or direct you is a great way of caring for the you.
Give yourself the gift of talking therapy.
Don’t give in to the Seasonal Goblins; this year, make it the December YOU want for yourself.
Don’t let the Shame Gremlin in
It all begins with an idea.
Life happens. People happen. Over the years we endure set backs, trauma, loss, attacks, disappointments - various forms of pain. In a society where a WW2 mantra of “ Keep Calm and Carry On…” still acts as a subliminal undertone, we carry painful experiences with us as we grow and evolve. Every little and big nightmare piles up, almost entering our DNA. No surprise then that we sometimes react in what can be perceived in an irrational manner; we simply short circuit. Over time this can lead us to question our ‘sanity’ ; have you caught yourself asking “ What is WRONG with ME ?”
This short question acts as a fast track to growing a monster of guilt and shame. To squash this emerging gremlin, change your narrative to “ What has happened to me ?” Feel the difference yet?
Therapy can help in making sense of what has really happened to you.
#stoptheshamegremlins.