Can Joy and Grief Coexist?

Oh hey, Holiday Season, back so soon?

It's an odd mix to feel heaviness and excitement at the same time, isn't it? 

Over the past few years, I've shopped less at actual stores. Call it one part neurodivergency, one part energy conservation, and one part Covid PTSD. Let's just say, grocery delivery has been a game changer, and I'm so grateful to have this option.

And yet, there's something special about shopping in person for a holiday meal. It's the excitement of what is to come. Like, not only will this food nourish me, but it will nourish the people I love in more ways than just food! I love the build-up of it all. 

I think my Dad built this into me. We'd go for holiday shopping mere days before Christmas (partly from waiting on his holiday commissions, but mostly from procrastination). He's bring me along for company and we would genuinely have fun! We found that there was always more excitement in the air, and it felt intoxicating. 

Now without him, there's this bittersweetness that remains. How do we still feel excitement for this time when grief is present?

The pressure of must-be-joyful during this time of year beats like a drum inside a good portion of our society and culture, sometimes bringing a sense of shame if we feel anything other than what capitalism wants us to feel so we buy/ingest/consume more. 

But...what if...and hear me out....we can have both joy and grief? What if we can still have that excitement to nourish and eat, while still feeling the sorrow for what has happened and still is happening around us?

Whoever said we have to choose (ah hem, perfectionism) doesn't understand the complexity of the human experience. 

Navigating the holiday season with all its bittersweet layers can be challenging, but it’s also an opportunity to honor our full humanity. Joy and grief, excitement and apprehension, or just straight sadness...none of it needs to be pushed aside. We’re allowed to hold it, just as we are.

If this resonates with you and you’re looking for support in holding space for yourself this holiday season, I’d love to help. I'm here to help guide you through transitions by helping you find clarity, compassion, and grounding—even when life feels overwhelming. Click here to schedule a chat!

Sending love and patience to you this week!