holidays
5 Things to Know Before the Holidays
Here we go again, heading into another holiday season marked with all the usual unknowns – and then some. This is the time of year where many of us have to take a deep breath, mentally prepare for days and weeks of gaslighting and guilt trips, and practice our frozen-smile gray rock faces. We try…
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A Covid Thanksgiving
What a strange, strange year this has been. Who could have imagined that as we prepare for what is typically the most traveled-for holiday in the United States, we would be more focused on setting up Zoom calls and washing our masks than making a connecting flight? And who knew that for some of…
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With gratitude: Finding peace in a pandemic
Today is the day we celebrate, remember, and honor those who have died in combat while serving in the American armed forces. The long weekend is also usually synonymous with cookouts, beach trips, and spending time with friends and family. Things look a little different this year, for most of us. Nearly three months…
Read MoreMother’s Day Wishes
Choose your adventure
The wrapping paper that littered the floor has been swept away, except for those little bits and pieces you’ll be finding under couches and in crevices for six more months. The fridge is full of half-eaten snack trays, and the trash can is overflowing with paper plates and candy wrappers. The Christmas tree is looking…
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Grief in the Season of Joy
Everywhere you look, the signs are there: The holidays are here. Turkeys, holly berries, lights, and snowmen are showing up in every store – and on some front lawns – as we roll into the season of joy. At least, it’s supposed to be a season of joy, or so we are told. …
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Entering the Holidays with Self-Compassion
Halloween has ended, and the holiday season is upon us. We are entering the time of turkey dinners, festive lights, hot chocolate, and family guilt trips – are you ready? For adults from narcissistic or emotionally immature families, the holidays can be a difficult time of year. November is filled with talk of gratitude,…
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Love Languages Part 1: You in Relationships
How was your Valentine’s Day? Full of affection, hearts, and chocolate? Wine, cheese, and chick flicks (or sci-fantasy, whatever floats your boat!)? Whether you look forward to the holiday or view it as just another money-maker for greeting card companies, I hope it was a happy day for you. Although the holiday has passed…
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The Post-Holiday Letdown
The decorations are coming down. The ornaments have been put away. The trees are out on the sidewalk, and most of us will be ok with not seeing another candy cane for 11.5 more months. Most holiday obligations have been fulfilled, and now we just have to find places to put all the stuff we…
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Reflecting on a year
Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes Five hundred twenty-five thousand moments so dear Five hundred twenty-five thousand six hundred minutes How do you measure, measure a year? “Seasons of Love,” from the Broadway musical Rent Here we are again, just a few short days from the closing of another year. With the…
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