Managing the Holiday Blues [148]

As the year ends, the darkness grows. Minute by minute. Just before Christmas is the longest night of the year. The holidays are celebrations of love and generosity and joy.But they're also bleak and painful to many — like women going through separation and divorce. So how do you cling to the hope of coming light in your blackest hours?How do you live with the dark as you wait for the dawn?Here’s my story and what I’ve learned.In this episode:The honest truth about the dark hole I was in for my first two Christmases as a single mom of nine childrenThree practical tips for dealing with the pain of busted-up holidays as a survivor (and by practical, I mean easy and doable without causing a mental breakdown)Why you should ask questions about loneliness and grief instead of resenting or dulling themHow to reframe the idea that you’re just a hot mess (News Flash: Nobody’s life is like their Christmas card)Proof that your brain is super smart and super ridiculous (and how to utilize the smartness and not the part that keeps you looped in crappy, self-fulfilling prophecies)Access the transcript, read the show notes, and/or ask Natalie a question here If you are a Christian woman who thinks you may be in an emotionally destructive marriage, learn more at https://flyingfreenow.comI'll send you (free!) the first chapter of my book, Is It Me? Making Sense of Your Confusing Marriage, which has an assessment to help you figure out if your relationship is abusive or not. All you have to do is hop on my mailing list. You can also find out about our online education and support program for women of faith at https://joinflyingfree.comAnd finally, if you are a divorced Christian woman who wants to take back her life and get healthy, lose weight, have amazing relationships, get things done, build a business or career, and even find a good man (if you want one) - check out Flying Higher at https://joinflyinghigher.com