I can’t lie…this has been a really tough holiday season. If it were just me, I’d load up my Kindle with NYT bestsellers, hop a plane to Fiji by myself and skip Christmas this year…
Typically, I am the type of person who loves the holidays. I put so much effort and thought into gifts, charity, decorations, etc… I consider it one of the most special times of the year, and I always give it my all.
But this year, Christmas comes right, smack in the middle of my divorce. I find myself more and more overwhelmed every day. All I want to do is run away to somewhere warm and carefree, but instead I am stuck dealing with what feels like an endless pile of responsibilities. I put on a happy face every day for my kids — decorating and keeping up with the traditions they hold dear. Between carols and cookies and advent calendars with little chocolates — I absolutely refuse to let them see an ounce of sadness this year.
Yet, the truth is, I am dying inside. I am tired. I am confused. I am trying to stay positive, but shit, I’m human and I have had enough.
I am being pulled in so many directions. There is so much to do, I can’t do anything efficiently. Lately, I feel like I am in a constant state of paralysis.
A few minutes ago, I sat down at my computer to finish a few deliverables I have due tomorrow for work– did I mention that I have a pile of deadlines this week? Yup, add that to the list…
And just as I am trying to get my thoughts straight to begin this project, I get a message from my aunt, out of the blue. She writes “I love you” and attaches this image:
You know what? That’s all it took. One little thought from someone who loves me helped me to finally stop and draw in that deep, fulfilling breath that I’ve been trying to catch all day.
Here’s an interesting observation…some people have no idea how to help and support loved ones throughout the divorce process. What do you say? What do they need? No one wants to pry or be too overbearing. And it’s totally normal to feel that way.
But, if you are ever in the situation where you don’t know what to do, remember this: You never know when even the smallest, most spontaneous gesture will make all the difference for someone who is struggling.
Today, it made all the difference for me.