This season is often wrapped in words like magic, joy, togetherness.

And for many people, it truly is. Many of us are loved, spending time with family, enjoying delicious meals in cozy homes. 

I want to pause here, for those who are moving through these days with a heavier heart. And there are a lot of people like this too.

I write these thoughts:

For those who feel lonely.

For those who grieve a loss.

For those with difficult family situations.

For those carrying trauma, illness, or uncertainty quietly in their bodies.

For those who are financially stretched, emotionally exhausted, or unsure how they’ll make it through the coming weeks.

For those who had a tough year and still fight uncertainty.

For those who long to ask for help but don’t know how, or don’t feel safe to.

If this is you, please hear this:

You matter too.

Your experience is valid.

Your nervous system is not broken, it is responding to what it has lived through.

This season can amplify what is already there. It can bring memories, comparisons, expectations, and pressure to feel a certain way. And when you don’t, it can feel isolating, like something is wrong with you.

Nothing is wrong with you.

There is no requirement to be cheerful.

No obligation to perform joy.

No timeline for healing, grieving, or “feeling better.”

If all you can do right now is breathe, rest, and get through the day, that is enough.

If your version of this season is quieter, slower, or lonelier, your path still matters.

From a nervous system perspective, safety does not come from decorations or traditions. It comes from being seen, from kindness, from knowing you don’t have to pretend. And if there’s no one there to tell you that, please receive these words: you are seen, you matter, you are loved, you are allowed to have your feelings!

Let this be a soft reminder:

You are not alone in how you feel, even if it feels that way.

There are many hearts walking alongside you, quietly, tenderly, doing their best.

May you offer yourself compassion instead of judgment.

May you allow moments of gentleness where you can.

May you remember that you are worthy of care, love, and presence, exactly as you are, right now.

You don’t have to shine this season.

You are allowed to simply be. 🤍

With love,

Aniela🤍