Season of joy?

There's so much pressure in December. Not just organisational and social pressure, but the need to feel we must experience and exude joy. Of course in reality joy can allude many of us, as we contend with so much on top of what we already struggle to navigate in our day-to-day lives. Some choose to escape to far-flung destinations, others hunker down at home. Those who choose to host or be hosted must find their own way through family dynamics, in conjunction with their own unique needs. Therapy is such an effective way to build this understanding and attend to vital boundaries. This often needs examination of how groups function and what our historic roles are withing them. Leaving us to question whether we want to pick up old scripts, or not. Familiarity can keep us defined in ways we no longer wish to be and it takes courage to push against this. Counselling can fortify us for this change.

As for my own festive season, joy for me has come from my client work as well as from a necessary pause to be with relatives and friends. Being a neurodivergent family, it takes care and vigilance to keep everyone supported and accommodated. We prioritise everyone's right to withdraw or opt in and out as they feel suits them best. No fuss, no challenge. It always strikes me how the more flexibility is in place, the more everyone can manage; without having to contend with demands or judgement. I also found joy in the beautiful frosts that blanketed field and rooftops, which added a little winter magic to my peaceful, cosy consulting room.