tips for navigating the holidays on your awakening journey
“If you think you’re enlightened, go spend a week with your family.”
This is a quote by Ram Dass that I reference often. It is always just so spot on… especially right now.
This time of year, many of us are spending more time with family. And when you are on the path of growth and awakening, when you are actively changing and evolving and shifting your energy…
being around the people who have known you all your life can be triggering AF.
These are the people who have seen (and have gotten comfortable with) who you used to be.
Even if they are the most loving & supportive family in the world, they will still be activated or challenged in certain ways by the changes in you.
Your new orientation to yourself and to the world, to your work or to your relationships, might challenge their worldview. It could light up the pictures of life they were handed and have become comfortable with in a way that is confusing or confronting.
It’s no one’s fault, and it’s not wrong. It’s a natural part of this growth and healing process. But it can undoubtedly be uncomfortable and challenging at times.
If this is something you’re navigating this holiday season, here are some things to remember:
You don’t owe anyone an explanation. You don’t have to explain who you are, how you choose to express, the choices you are making, the changes that are occurring. None of it. Even if you feel like you owe certain people an explanation, you don’t. You don’t have to share anything you’re not ready to, or aren’t sure how to, or are concerned could cause a triggering reaction or conversation. Protect your peace. You don’t have to explain yourself.
When you heal yourself, you are healing those around you. What is in your highest good is always in the highest good of others, even if they don’t like it, or don’t understand it, or it makes them uncomfortable. Trust this.
Some people will never truly see you or understand you. No matter how badly you want them to. No matter how much you try to explain it on their terms. You can’t force anyone to get it. This really, really sucks when it applies to someone you love very much. You can grieve this, and love them (and yourself) anyway.
You, fully expressed, living your most authentic life, is a gift to the world. Anyone who has an issue with it is only reacting with an expression of their own wounding. Their own inability to fully express as who they are. It’s their inherited programming and it’s on them to work through it. Don't take that sh*t on.
You can’t do anyone else’s work for them. Not everyone’s path to healing will look the same as yours. Practice releasing attachment to wanting other people to get on the same page. Some of them never will, and that’s okay. Respect other people's limits and keep moving forward on YOUR path.
I invite you to take a moment to find some gratitude and acknowledgment for yourself today. For how far you have come. For everything you are moving through in the best way you can. For staying the course in the face of all your challenges. For the fact that you continue to turn toward yourself with compassion and commitment to your most aligned life. It's no small thing.
And don't forget to give thanks for the abundance that surrounds you in every form.
I see you. I am here cheering you on, always.
