The Tough Holiday
Shawn Gulyas
Founder | The Thought Catalyst at humanworks8 | Executive Leadership Coach | Strategic Planning Facilitator | Keynote Speaker | Podcast Guest | Kolbe Certified? | Culture Expert | Well-Being | Talent | Core Values
My hope is that anyone who reads this had a wonderful, celebratory, loving, relaxing and rejuvenating holiday time from Thanksgiving through the new year…
I imagine though that there may be someone who reads this where those words were not in play.? Maybe you were in survival mode just to make it to the new year?? Maybe you felt like you couldn’t catch a break?? Maybe even a merry, little holiday was not in the cards?
I had an urgent care day, a hospital day, many days of a loved one suffering from confusion, many in the middle of the night phone calls, and a surprise passing of someone I have known for over 30 years.? People who are close to me were battling illness across their families.
I had to reflect on the timing of life and the timing of holidays – holidays may be written down and unchangeable – life, not so much.
I had to reflect on the feelings of life and the feelings of the holidays – holidays filled with shared joy, shared celebration, shared gratitude, shared giving – life, can feel like surviving solo sometimes.
Did I rely on my work team more than ever?? Yes.
Did I connect with close friends and family?? Yes.
Did I find moments of solace and escape?? Yes.
I was blessed and lucky to have the support I needed to get me to the other side of a tough holiday season.
My wish for anyone still treading life’s water as you look toward the horizon of the new year is that you find people you can rely on, connect with those you love, and have the chance to restore your mental energy so you can be at your best, thriving self.