healing moment: don't minimize stress
We're gonna have the hap, hap, happiest Christmas....
don’t minimize stress
Ah yes, it’s ~the most wonderful time of the year~… right? That’s what I’m supposed to say, yes?
The truth is, holidays can be a very stressful time, even amidst the beauty of the season. And I say that as someone who loves Christmas! Like it is my favorite holiday! But it involves stress, and unfortunately sometimes we minimize this stress quickly.
“This great! I love this! I love Christmas so of course this is great! I love my family so this is fine! SURELY THIS IS NOT STRESS BECAUSE HAPPY HOLIDAYS”
The thing is — even things we love can be stressful. Stress is not so much a negative reality, but a common one. However, sometimes instead of acknowledging that it is stressful, we shame ourselves for feeling that way.
“What kind of [fill in the blank: parent, partner, sibling, child, pastor, the list goes on] am I, feeling this way about something so beautiful and important to me?”
Try to remove shame and judgment as much as possible and acknowledge your stress. By acknowledging it, and not minimizing it, you become mindful about the reality of how you’re feeling, and only then can we start to cope with the stress we will inevitably face.
So, as much as you can, don’t minimize your stress, be gracious with yourself about it, try to tell off any shame voices, and treat yourself kindly when you get stressed out (during the holidays and all the rest of your days, too). <3
With love & care,
EJW
Thank you so much. Blessed Christmas 🎄