Wisdom speaks: Holidays blues

Listen wisdom speaks. Today alone my phone has been ringing off the hook with people wanting to schedule. I don't know if they need a session anticipating dealing with family during Thanksgiving or if something else is involved. I literally am almost full to capacity and have to start turning people away or have them schedule after Thanksgiving. A word to the wise don't wait until the last minute to have a plan or to attempt to schedule with your therapist.
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However, if I could give some wisdom tips. Remember holiday's including Christmas and Thanksgiving is only one day. If you know that you may be triggered by a past trauma from family or you are in recovery from drugs and alcohol. Family may be a trigger. Plan your steps and have a contingency plan that you will execute if needed. Meaning know when to leave. If you are vulnerable and know you may not be able to make it, you don't have to celebrate any holiday the way others think. Truth is I can't stand Christmas and I NEVER put up a Christmas tree. I don't celebrate Christmas but I love those after Christmas sales. Nothing like a celebrate me day after Christmas gift. It's okay to spend it alone or with friends. It's okay to go to the Golden Corral, the movies heck skip it altogether and get you some black Friday deals.

The point is don't feel bound to tradition or feel guilty when you choose not to participate. Your health, wellness, and mental well being is more important. Do what you feel is right for you, not what you feel you are obligated to do. And to reiterate next year please don't wait to schedule with your therapist at the last minute. She or he (or me) doesn't want to tell you no but if you wait you may be to late. I will be enjoying my Thanksgiving as well however I choose. Says the therapist. To my nosey folks NO I am not referring to my family. I plan on enjoying them I am referencing because I am a therapist.

I know that there is controversy over them taking Christ out of Christmas, but yet again Christmas is a holiday that is man made, it doesn't have anything to do with your salvation. The choice to celebrate is just that a choice not a force. So if you're like me and you don't celebrate it, you are no less a Christian. You are loved by God beloved.

​Remember if you have loss someone through death, separation or divorce the holidays can be a major trigger so take extra care of yourself

Love, you mean it.

Happy Holiday's  To those who celebrate it. 

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