Such important insights and sharing it as you do helps countless others who must be equally vigilant to protect their precious spirits during a time that can be haunting. Thank you for writing so beautifully about this, and for imposing a little humor too (the cranberry debate made me chuckle). You are truly brave and beautiful Mike. You are seen.
I hate this time of year. You know what you must do to get through this, Mike. Please do it. Before you know it, the holidays are over. Sending love and peace. Take care of yourself. 🤍🤍
Dear Rea, I totally understand! If there were some way to just pree "fast forward" on this season, that would be awesome. But instead we must find our way through a step at a time.
I hope you are doing well, and taking care of yourself! I've made some calls today and will see what defenses are available.
Mike, thank you for sharing. I'm so sorry you're struggling this holiday season. Know that you're not alone, and it's 100% okay to feel the way you're feeling. You don't have to apologize for it because you're a man (or for any other reason). Society has unreasonable expectations for men sometimes. Definitely get some support in place to help hold you up for the season. I often have to up my medication during the winter because the seasonal change really affects my mood. You're not the only one. I pray that Jesus meets you tenderly with whatever you need this season. 🙏
Alexandria, thank you for the note! I've definitely been talking to my support network and working the meds. My faith in Jesus - the radical, totally revolutionary Man of God - is a source of great strength. Where I have trouble is with much but not all of the Church, but that's OK - it's important that we don't confuse the two sometimes. Wishing you peace, Mike
Thanks Mike! Yeah, I really understand that. The church and Jesus are definitely not the same thing. I'm glad you're leaning into support and trusting in Jesus. 🙏
"Is it because that, having recognized a cycle, a survivor nevertheless feels powerless before it?" I have been there, Mike, not as a survivor, but in a different context. You are taking positive action and seeking help. That is what I was told to do in such a circumstance. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Mike I am sure you know I have similar feelings to yours. So called festive season was anything but festive - the “image” was there but the heart and normality were missing in action. Now is very much the same. Time to strengthen the copying mechanisms. Wanted to mention a book you might find interesting “The bullied brain” by Jennifer Fraser. It explains a lot. Thank you for writing this piece.
Dear Mike I do understand your words but you know don t you! We are amazing at keeping the image. We had to all our lives but the cracks appear and we start patching ourselves again and again. The book is a must read for people who went through trauma. I have it as an audio version as it comes free with a one month Audible promotion and I am taking lots of notes ready to write a blog on the topic. Get it, read it especially now. It is great food for the brain, it clarifies things and has some solid research behind. Greetings from a grey England!
Such important insights and sharing it as you do helps countless others who must be equally vigilant to protect their precious spirits during a time that can be haunting. Thank you for writing so beautifully about this, and for imposing a little humor too (the cranberry debate made me chuckle). You are truly brave and beautiful Mike. You are seen.
Dear Stephanie, thank you for the note! I hope that you are doing well and taking care of yourself through this season.
And canned cranberries absolutely rule!
Wishing you peace!
Mike
I hate this time of year. You know what you must do to get through this, Mike. Please do it. Before you know it, the holidays are over. Sending love and peace. Take care of yourself. 🤍🤍
Dear Rea, I totally understand! If there were some way to just pree "fast forward" on this season, that would be awesome. But instead we must find our way through a step at a time.
I hope you are doing well, and taking care of yourself! I've made some calls today and will see what defenses are available.
Sending love and peace!
Mike
You are in my thoughts, my friend!
Sending you love and peace too Rea. <3
🤍🤍
Mike, thank you for sharing. I'm so sorry you're struggling this holiday season. Know that you're not alone, and it's 100% okay to feel the way you're feeling. You don't have to apologize for it because you're a man (or for any other reason). Society has unreasonable expectations for men sometimes. Definitely get some support in place to help hold you up for the season. I often have to up my medication during the winter because the seasonal change really affects my mood. You're not the only one. I pray that Jesus meets you tenderly with whatever you need this season. 🙏
Alexandria, thank you for the note! I've definitely been talking to my support network and working the meds. My faith in Jesus - the radical, totally revolutionary Man of God - is a source of great strength. Where I have trouble is with much but not all of the Church, but that's OK - it's important that we don't confuse the two sometimes. Wishing you peace, Mike
Thanks Mike! Yeah, I really understand that. The church and Jesus are definitely not the same thing. I'm glad you're leaning into support and trusting in Jesus. 🙏
"Is it because that, having recognized a cycle, a survivor nevertheless feels powerless before it?" I have been there, Mike, not as a survivor, but in a different context. You are taking positive action and seeking help. That is what I was told to do in such a circumstance. Thank you for sharing.
Dear Mike I am sure you know I have similar feelings to yours. So called festive season was anything but festive - the “image” was there but the heart and normality were missing in action. Now is very much the same. Time to strengthen the copying mechanisms. Wanted to mention a book you might find interesting “The bullied brain” by Jennifer Fraser. It explains a lot. Thank you for writing this piece.
Dear Corinne, thank you for the note and book recommendation! I am absolutely going to check this book out.
It's tough to maintain an image sometimes!
Wishing you peace,
Mike
Dear Mike I do understand your words but you know don t you! We are amazing at keeping the image. We had to all our lives but the cracks appear and we start patching ourselves again and again. The book is a must read for people who went through trauma. I have it as an audio version as it comes free with a one month Audible promotion and I am taking lots of notes ready to write a blog on the topic. Get it, read it especially now. It is great food for the brain, it clarifies things and has some solid research behind. Greetings from a grey England!