Holidays

Hope you all had a great Easter or any other holiday you might have celebrated these days. I just wanted to make a little post about holidays as I have a rather ambivalent feeling about them. Spending time with my family doesn't mind me at all, don't get me wrong. But at the same time, I feel there are so many expectations about them: You're together at all times, eveything is super, little room for any spontanity if you have traditions from earlier years. Mind you, these are very general and I don't think everybody thinks this way. Maybe it has something to do with depression, who knows?

For those of you who know me, know that I'm quite calm and introverted. So in my case, spending time around a lot of people over a longer period of time is exhausting. There is no rule that says you have to be social all the time. My advice is to do it on your own terms, don't let the anxiety control you, isolating you. Going for a walk is always nice to let the senses focus on new things.

Holidays are meant to be joyful occations but that doesn't mean you can't be in touch with how you're feeling. There is no need to feel like a party pooper or guilt of any sort. What you're dealing with has nothing to do with disrespecting any of the other guests or the host. It's their own fault if they think so. This can be a good time to understand more about yourself, too. Is there anything extra happening that sets of a feeling of discomfort, and if so, why? Point is, you're allowed to not be in tip top shape, even during Christmas. 

The last year I've spent two Easters, I think, away from home and this year was the first time I celebrated Christmas away from home, as well. Eventhough it is nice to be home and do things the way you usually do them, doing some changes is always nice. Some preferr to spend a holiday on their own. Again, and this goes for anything really, do what you do out of excitement or joy. Don't let the depression decide for you, nor let other people tell you what to do.