“For adults from narcissistic or emotionally immature families, the holidays can be a difficult time of year. November is filled with talk of gratitude, appreciating our lives, and coming together with family, all of which can be hard for those whose family of origin is toxic or abusive. For those who celebrate, December brings nearly a full month of anticipating Christmas. After the big day, there are a few days of post-Christmas blues and catching your breath before bidding farewell to the current year and ringing in the new. Looking ahead with hope can feel like a bitter joke when you know the people who cause you the most pain are unlikely to really change at this or any other time of year.
While you can’t directly change other people’s behavior, the approaching holidays are a good time to review your boundaries. It is also a good time to step up your self-compassion practice.
What self-compassion practice, you ask?
Oh, the one you ideally incorporate into your daily life – and may never have actually been able to develop. Well, here’s the good news: Today is a great day to begin a self-compassion practice. I will help you get started, with 5 questions to help you find the places to offer yourself grace and kindness.”
Our therapist, Amy Marlow-MaCoy, wrote a recent blog post on how to cultivate a sense of self-compassion during the holiday season.