Love this!! I enjoy this holiday because I spend it with my chosen fam every year and it’s extremely low key and non-anxious, but these tools are so helpful for any event that feels obligatory.
Many thanks, and kudos for choosing those to celebrate with rather than only falling into the expected patterns of others. That takes a certain strength, one I did not even understand for the years-ago-me I wrote this for.
I remember my first Thanksgiving after returning to San Diego, after that frightful first married year in Phoenix. We were celebrating with Bill's family - parents, brothers, one brother's wife and small child. I was used to people not communicating at the dinner table. There was noise and dynamic. At one point I did get up from the table and went to sit outside on the front step. It was at least 15 minutes before anyone came to look for me. It was all too much. I understadnw here that overload comes from now, but I didn't then. Eventually, I got used to teh chaos when everyone got together, but it took a while. Sometimes, you just have to leave. To breathe and to have stillness - inner and outer. Thank you for these words, Jeffrey.
Thanks for sharing this story of your past. What incredible self-awareness you had back then to do this, given how far outside your experience it was. Whatever helped you take what was likely an awkward step at the time has shaped who you are now and helped you meet your own needs.
The holidays can be extremely stressful and unpleasant and many people do not have the tools to get through it. It also can be A LOT of work , very expensive, and over rated. When you add in too much alcohol for many it gets ugly . Great article . I think you totally get what others might be feeling today. I did the last half of the Camino two years ago , I agree with your thoughts on walking , and I bowed out of the craziness years ago . My holidays are happy. 🙏❤️
I believe many people do not have the tools to manage holiday stress because they were never taught those tools and supports exist. Something about buying into an ideal world that never existed outside of tv.
The Camino is my passion, and I walk it for a week each year, usually along the paths in France, as they are quieter and more naturally connected than the busier, better-resourced options in Spain. I hope to lead a 7-day contemplative retreat along one of these paths next September so that I can share it with others.
Love this! Thank you!
Love this!! I enjoy this holiday because I spend it with my chosen fam every year and it’s extremely low key and non-anxious, but these tools are so helpful for any event that feels obligatory.
Many thanks, and kudos for choosing those to celebrate with rather than only falling into the expected patterns of others. That takes a certain strength, one I did not even understand for the years-ago-me I wrote this for.
I remember my first Thanksgiving after returning to San Diego, after that frightful first married year in Phoenix. We were celebrating with Bill's family - parents, brothers, one brother's wife and small child. I was used to people not communicating at the dinner table. There was noise and dynamic. At one point I did get up from the table and went to sit outside on the front step. It was at least 15 minutes before anyone came to look for me. It was all too much. I understadnw here that overload comes from now, but I didn't then. Eventually, I got used to teh chaos when everyone got together, but it took a while. Sometimes, you just have to leave. To breathe and to have stillness - inner and outer. Thank you for these words, Jeffrey.
Thanks for sharing this story of your past. What incredible self-awareness you had back then to do this, given how far outside your experience it was. Whatever helped you take what was likely an awkward step at the time has shaped who you are now and helped you meet your own needs.
I agree that it has done that, and for that I give thanks!
The holidays can be extremely stressful and unpleasant and many people do not have the tools to get through it. It also can be A LOT of work , very expensive, and over rated. When you add in too much alcohol for many it gets ugly . Great article . I think you totally get what others might be feeling today. I did the last half of the Camino two years ago , I agree with your thoughts on walking , and I bowed out of the craziness years ago . My holidays are happy. 🙏❤️
I agree with all you said!
I believe many people do not have the tools to manage holiday stress because they were never taught those tools and supports exist. Something about buying into an ideal world that never existed outside of tv.
The Camino is my passion, and I walk it for a week each year, usually along the paths in France, as they are quieter and more naturally connected than the busier, better-resourced options in Spain. I hope to lead a 7-day contemplative retreat along one of these paths next September so that I can share it with others.