Life truly does start with a Capital L.
The Holiday Season is supposed to bring cheer, but so far I’ve only encountered loss: L after L after L.
From a broken-down car on the interstate to being let down by (another) prospective employer, and many other pressing matters that I won't mention, I haven’t been receiving much holiday cheer from Life. And yet, I’m expected to put on a smile for everyone else, celebrate everyone else’s wins, and show up unwounded as if everything's fine. But Life is far from fine.
Yes, I was Thankful on Thursday, but God forbid I want to be more than thankful for Thanksgiving scraps while everyone else eats good? Yes, The Holidays are about giving, but being told to be grateful for the coal in my stocking while everyone else is gifted exactly what they wanted—and some of what I asked for—has literally become unbearable.
It’s beyond exhausting to mask your own disappointment while trying to show up for everyone else’s accomplishments.
So why do it?
Your lows won’t last, but neither will that mask you’re wearing. Hold space for your present feelings before you burst.
Take a second, a moment even, to take that mask off and take care of you. In the midst of the excitement and elation, separate yourself in a bathroom, a bedroom, a closet, and take that moment alone to feel your heartbeat, slow your breathing, center your senses, and tell yourself that you’re going to be okay, even as you are.
If that’s you for The Holidays, or this season, or for this year, know that that’s been my year, too. Trust me, you’re not alone in this.
And remember, Ls don’t last always.
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