DECEMBER 2024
LIFE | LOVE | LOSS
“I heard a bird sing in the dark of December
A magical thing and sweet to remember.”
– Oliver Herford
SEEKING LIGHT IN THE DARK
“Even the day’s last sliver of light must submit to the darkness.
But it also holds the fierce will of the sun to rise once more.”
– Angie Weiland-Crosby
Happy December! A huge thank you to all of you who participated, contributed, volunteered, and donated to the amazing gala. It is beautiful to see so many come together to support mental health and suicide awareness in our community.
It is dark now and this can feel heavy physically and emotionally for many. The holidays are not always merry and bright. It often opens or reignites a deep ache and remembrance for those who are NOT here with us. It can stir old feelings or loss or leave fresh wounds open wishing you could see, be with, or shop for the loved one who is gone.
Something I love about this time of year is that there are more chances to serve. When my son Joey died in September the holidays came way to fast. We didn’t know what to do or how to navigate this first season without him. He was fifteen, still a child living at home. Someone we got Christmas PJ’s for, put out a stocking, all the things. I decided to ask family and friends to write a memory or share a story about him and give it to us for Christmas that first year. We put them in his stocking.
We loved reading them all Christmas morning, during the time he would have spent opening his gifts. We got to know more about him, hear new memories of time he spent with others. It was in its own way a soothing balm to our raw aching hearts. I have met other families who do trees with ornaments in their child’s name, collect socks, set a place for them at the holiday meal, and some who leave town going somewhere warm as a big screw you to celebrating at all.
There is no right or wrong way in grief, life, or processing love for those who we have lost. Please find something that feels right for you. Be gentle, go slower. Say no if something feels forced or unnecessary. On the other side of that be with people. Let yourself be loved and cared for. Connections matter. Community matters. Allow those things into your experiences on your terms in ways that lift you up and make you feel good.
I know for sure even the biggest storms lose their steam at some point. Even through the darkest times we will see light again. We may have to seek that light or stillness after a storm for our minds and hearts. Take the steps to release what is no longer serving you, let go of old thoughts or patterns that are keeping you stuck. Processing pain and grief are not the same as being stuck in them. Get professional help if and when needed. The national 988 number is a lifetime in times of struggle not just if suicidal. If you feel overwhelmed and need someone to talk to ‘right now’ call or text that number. It’s the reason it was created.
My wish for you is to allow light to pierce your mind and heart. To feel its warmth even briefly on the coldest of days. Invite love to fill you up from the inside out. In moments of uncertainty ask yourself what would love do, or what would kindness do? Make a choice from that place.
Wishing you a holiday season that feeds your heart and soul.
Self-Care Tip:
“The great benefit of slowing down is reclaiming the time and tranquility to make meaningful connections — with people, with culture, with work, with nature, with our own bodies and minds.”
-Carl Honore
SLOW DOWN
This month I challenge you to take 12 minutes (yes because it’s December!) each day to be still. Sit in stillness for 12 minutes each day.
You can play music if the thought of sitting still AND quiet just seems like too much! Breathe deeply, allow any thoughts to float like clouds across your mind not engaging in them.
Deep breaths. Purposeful quietness. Taking these few minutes in mindful connection to your breath, your body, to being here now.
“Pause
S..L..O..W it all down. Pause from your full calendar and long task list. Take a moment – or ten – to simply be. To remind yourself that this is life, right here and right now. To reacquaint yourself with your pulsing heart and incredible body that allows you to do all that you do. To remember that life is precious and fragile and should be lived in love. To remind yourself that whatever is happening or wherever you find yourself in your journey, it is all as it is supposed to be.”
– Nikki Banas
All my best,
Genna
RESOURCES
988 – National Mental Health Hotline – Talk or Text 24/7
National Alliance on Mental Illness – NAMI www.mani.org/Home
https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/988
Crisis Hotlines: Common Hotline Phone Numbers | Eluna Network
Mental Health App’s
Talkspace – Best Overall Therapy App
Calm – Best Mindfulness App
My3 – Three People / Three Distractions / Safety Plan App
Chopra App – Great mindfulness and free meditations
Pride Counseling – Best Queer Mental Health App
Youper – Best Self-Guided Therapy App
Headspace – Best Anxiety App
ThetaHealing / Chakra Clearing / Oracle Card Reading
The Next Adventure 