It’s Christmas Eve tomorrow and this year, due to Coronavirus, it is not a ‘normal’ Christmas. Well it’s not a ‘normal’ Christmas for some but actually for others it will be just as sad and lonely as every other year. Oh wow Sam, that’s a depressing start to an uplifting well-being blog. I said it was going to be a well-being blog, but I didn’t promise it would be uplifting (although keep going and hopefully you’ll feel lifted by the end 🥰). Sometimes our well-being is wrapped up in the knowledge of the suffering of others and how we respond to that. Sometimes YOU are the one that’s suffering and you feel like you need to hide it for the sake of others. You don’t want to appear negative or too sad as you don’t want to create a bad atmosphere, so you have to pretend that you’re ok, right? It can be exhausting! Sometimes the sadness or the struggle is so intense you just need to be alone with your thoughts and breathe.

Taking time to be alone can be just what you need, and that’s ok. Giving yourself permission to be who you are and how you are in the moment is kinder to your self than just battling through it. Sure, if we have young children and other family members then I guess it wouldn’t be great if we take ourselves off to our bedrooms to be alone for the whole time (as tempting as that can be at times). So, before it all begins, as unusual as this sounds, you need to take some time to be alone and reassure yourself that you understand that you’re struggling and that you have noticed it, felt it, and heard the cry of your heart. You’re not ignoring it and throughout the Christmas period YOU are going to give YOU some time to breathe and simply be who you are, when you are, where you are! If you think that was mushy, then hold on to yourself because there’s more! You’re then going to take a mirror and look at yourself, look right into your eyes … really gaze deep into your soul … and breathe.

NOW SAY “I love you!”

Take a moment to sit with this. This is a biggy as some may find that they can’t even bring themselves to say it. Take however long you need for this and if you can’t yet say “I love you”, then say “I see you” and reassure yourself that YOU will care for YOU, and you will take the time needed to receive the nourishment and soothing that you need. The time needed to rest, be at peace and maybe even consider that you are wrapped in the loving arms of a love far greater and more vast than we could ever comprehend; yet more personal than we ever thought was even possible.

Immanuel, God with us!

Say to guilt and shame (whether from yourself or imposed by others) that they’re not invited into this space. Protect and hold a space of kindness for yourself and breathe. Give yourself this gift, this Christmas 💚.

Know that you’re loved and accept this Christmas in whatever shape it comes for you this year, and allow yourself to find moments of peace. My good friend Hannah has written a beautiful song called Immanuel this Christmas. I’ve attached it below, I know you’ll enjoy it!

I hope you have a peace filled Christmas, lots of love and blessings to you, Samantha x