Navigating the Holidays: Unraveling Emotions and Embracing Gratitude for Radiance and Connection

Navigating the holiday season can be a complex journey of emotions, marred with loneliness, isolation, and even depression for some. But, wouldn't it be transformative if we found solace in our imperfections, and embraced the allure of small, intimate moments with loved ones? As your Life, wellness and Transformation Coach, I, Lisa, will take you through my own experiences, including the personal journey of blending holidays and discovering new love after a divorce.

This episode of Unleash Your Radiance Podcast is not just about unraveling the intricate maze of emotions we often find ourselves lost in during the holidays, it's more than that. It's a call to action. It's about fostering empathy, extending compassion and creating inclusivity for those grappling with a somber reality during this time. I urge you to join me on this journey of self-discovery as we discuss the power of gratitude, the joy of community, and above all, our never-ending pursuit of radiance. Remember, it's the connections and bonds we form that make the holidays truly special. So, let's reach out, connect, and become a beacon of hope and comfort for others during this season!

Chapters

• 0:00 Loneliness and Gratitude During Holidays
• 13:01 A Message of Gratitude and Community

Transcript

Speaker 1: 0:29

Hey there, beautiful souls, I'm Lisa, your Life, wellness and Transformation Coach of Unleash your Radiance Podcast. I'm blessed that you are here listening and I hope you enjoy this episode as you came together yesterday with your loved ones. You know it's essential to peel back the layers of the emotional tapestry that kind of is enveloping our world today. You know, recent statistics on loneliness and depression during the holiday season illuminate kind of the somber reality for many individuals. According to a recent study, loneliness spikes during the holiday season, which is not a surprise, and with this, with a significant number of people feeling isolated and disconnected. You know, not so much as we have been over the past few years, but I think still some of those people that you know were alone in the pandemic and have not really figured out how to, you know, not be, not feel isolated and disconnected. So, as we revel in our expressions of gratitude, I think it's crucial to recognize that not everyone shares our same abundance. Loneliness and depression during the holiday season reveal a substantial portion of the people grappling with feelings of isolation even in the midst of seemingly joyous celebrations. This is stark contrast, highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, urging us to, you know, extend our compassion beyond the confines of our immediate circles. Embarking on the journey to discover our inner radiance is akin to a transformation expedition, filled with like a diverse terrain and unexpected detours. As your life, wellness and transformation coach, I find it, and I find immense joy in walking beside you, offering you guidance and support as we navigate the pathways of life. We all encounter formidable challenges. Gosh, no, I've encountered several over these past few weeks. But in the complexities of like divorce, or the struggles of leaving or staying, or the profound loss, grief that comes with losing a parent or a loved one, or the ongoing pursuit of self discovery, it's in like it's in acknowledging and embracing these challenges where your true transformation unfolds. Reflecting on the pivots of my own journey, I am reminded that life is a dynamic series of shifts. Each one propels you towards a more authentic and radiant version of yourself. Your openness about the struggles, especially during the holiday season, is both courageous and relatable. You know we just had Thanksgiving and with its blend of joy and melancholy it becomes a poignant canvas for introspection and growth in the upcoming season.

Speaker 1: 5:05

You know, thanksgiving in Hayward with Brian's family is a whole dictomy of emotions. On one hand there's the warmth of being embraced by a family that's not mined by blood but it feels like it. You know, brian, who's the love of my life. You know it opens a door to a world where sisters and parents and grandchildren and friends and create a lively tapestry of togetherness. The contrast is kind of stark, as I have invited my daughters but I leave them behind in Minnesota. Their adults, they have their own lives and yet their absence echoes the struggles of blending holidays, the anxiety of not being the quintessential family or failing in some unspoken expectations. As a mom, that kind of crept in. Yet, amidst all the chaos and conflicting emotions, I still felt extremely grateful.

Speaker 1: 6:23

You know, the drive to Hayward yesterday was kind of like a metaphorical journey, weaving through the landscaping of my past and my present, the difficulty of blending holidays, like an intricate puzzle. It's kind of the kind of the testament of the resilience required to navigate a delicate balance between the old and the new. I miss the familiar familiar oh, from familiarness, sorry my mom's traditions, five o'clock Thanksgiving dinners and the effortless gatherings. But as I navigate year after year in these uncharted waters, brian's mom is so sweet and welcoming and she has truly become a beacon of comfort. With my losing my mom. You know, the day yesterday in Hayward kind of became a mosaic of emotions Thankfulness, love, tangyamalanchali. I definitely cherish the newfound sisterhood with his two sisters. It's kind of a connection that I never knew I really needed and it's the love that extends beyond the boundaries of biology. The beautiful drive symbolizes the journey, not just a Road to Hayward, but a broader journey of finding my way Long after divorce. Still grappling with the loss of my mom during the holidays is never easy in Stumbling upon a new love that I really, truly didn't think I would find. It's a Path that's kind of uncertain, yet each step forward is like a testament of my resilience and and the capacity of the human heart to expand and embrace the unexpected.

Speaker 1: 8:53

I Wonder, does anyone else feel the sense of lostness in the intricate dance of Life's transitions Compared to traditions? Let's you know I have to let this awareness guide All of our interactions during this holiday season. While we celebrate with gratitude, we should also be attuned to the struggles faced by those who may not have the same support network that we do. Our Collective empathy can be a very powerful force to change, fostering a sense of community that Will transcend the challenges of the times. So, as you gather this holiday season with your friends and family, consider the broader context of emotions that define the season. I Think we should all strive to create an atmosphere of Inclusivity, like kindness and support, ensuring that no one feels the weight of stress and loneliness during this time. It all should be about warmth and connection.

Speaker 1: 10:41

As a life and wellness coach, I encourage you, each of you, to hold space for this truth while Finding your way into gratitude that colors each day for you. Every moment offers an opportunity. An opportunity for Thanksgiving, for all the holiday seasons and the small sorry, I got a little choked up thinking about my mom. The small family that comes together possesses its own unique beauty. You don't have to have a large family. You don't have to. You can have a small family and you should hold it close to your heart, because navigating the journey to find our inner radiance is an ever-evolving dance filled with twists and turns and sometimes unexpected pauses. We really should all pause each day and remember the gratitude of each day. It's really heartening to know that we are not alone on this path and that we can walk alongside each other. We can offer each other support and understanding in the face of life's challenges divorce, the complexities of staying, the profound loss of a parent I battled a life-changing car accident our ongoing quest to discover our true selves these are all formidable battles. On this inner landscape, your gratitude, your pride and love for everyone are powerful affirmations of enduring strength, love, family bonds.

Speaker 1: 13:02

In this episode, remember to extend an invitation to not only my listeners, but also to yourself to find comfort in the complexity of emotions, embrace the beauty of imperfection and be thankful for the rich tapestry of life that weaves us all together.

Speaker 1: 13:29

As you gather this holiday season with family and friends, please keep in mind the true essence of the coming holidays, as they are a reflection of the abundance of blessings to cherish the bonds that bring us together and to be grateful for the simple yet profound gifts God provides. In the midst of our joy, let's be a source of comfort for those in need. Please reach out to someone who might be feeling the weight of the season, offer a kind word or lend a helping hand, because in the grand tapestry of life, every thread, every connection matters. I count myself blessed for my family, for this incredible community of podcast listeners and for each and every one of you. I am so thankful for every heart that has intersected with mine on this journey, wishing you all a blessed Thanksgiving weekend filled with love, warmth and a deep sense of gratitude.