If you find yourself a caretaker this holiday season — of children, of siblings, of parents, of partners, of family members, of friends, of yourself — you might experience feelings of dread, overwhelm, confusion, anger, sadness, excitement, anticipation, and joy. And you might feel all of these at once, which can add to the overwhelm and confusion.
What are we to do when our emotions seem at odds? How are we to be when everything happens all at once?
Wherever you are in your caretaking journey — wiping mouths and bodies, praying for a cure, worried about finances, longing for quiet, dancing in the kitchen — take a small, simple moment to pause. Place one hand on your heart, one on your belly, and say to yourself: I am loved. I am safe. I am supported.
Breathe deeply in; exhale deeply out.
Say it again if you need to. Say it as many times as it takes for you to believe it to be true.
Then, when you feel like you can breathe more deeply, make your way to these resources that can help:
- Good Inside by Dr. Becky Kennedy — practical, compassionate guidance for parenting hard moments
- 8 Ways to Start Healing Your Inner Child — for the caretakers who are also still healing themselves
- Positive Parenting Tips for the Holidays — grounded, realistic tools for the season
This holiday season and always: you are loved. You are safe. You are supported.
Written by The Mamaya team
If you're carrying the weight of caregiving this season, Mamaya Health is here. Connect with a Mamaya therapist →
