No, Really, it's OK to be Sad And Not Jolly Sometimes

So, as I've said, this can be an especially tough time of the year. There are even folks who don't have people to spend the holidays with-- yes, it's true! I think it's really important to remember that. When we're running around with family or friends and traveling and in the midst of our own busyness, to remember there are those that may have tragic anniversaries during this time, or do not have a community of loved ones to be with. I think it helps us remember all the amazing things we do have (like a warm home, warm bed, food we like to eat) and try not to take things and people for granted.

We had a really lovely journaling gathering online yesterday, Saturday morning. We journaled about how we can take care of ourselves well (subject of last blog post) during this busy holiday time.

3 Ways Journaling Can Help When You're Sad and Not Jolly:

1. Use Stickers or Draw Borders
I have really been enjoying my stickers lately. It's fun to spice up writing sometimes, and have pretty stickers throughout the page. I'll often doodle and draw dots or lines around it. I also like drawing borders on my pages. Not always, but when I do I always admire how pretty they make my otherwise wordy pages!

2. Just Face it

I know oftentimes women avoid their journal when they're unhappy. But I actually believe that diving into our thoughts and feelings can really help! For example, sometimes when you dig underneath the surface and get to the roots of why you're unhappy, it takes the power away.

You realize what you were avoiding or worrying about it, and looking clearly at it takes some of the 'oomph' or strength away.

3. Realizing a balance

And then sometimes when you start journaling on one thing, your mind starts meandering to other things. You might realize all the great things going on in your life and looking at those instead.

Or sometimes it's just good to sit and have a good cry! Nothing wrong with that. It can be so therapeutic. And if you're afraid of getting sunk in the bad feelings (as I often was), you can set a timer (5 min is plenty) and just wallow in your sadness and grief for that time. and know that when the timer goes off, you are done! And time to move on to noticing all the great things in your life.

Let me know how it goes!