Happy Holidays from our house to yours!

This holiday season is clearly not a normal one.  I haven’t had a day where I wasn’t a tight ball of stress worrying about the survival of mine and other small businesses, or on the verge of tears over the social, political and emotional unrest that we are all feeling.  There is a collective grief in the air as we all mourn the loss of a typical, “normal” holidays spent gathering with friends and family.

Luckily, I see a light at the end of the tunnel.   The Pfizer vaccine is now being distributed, and hopefully others will soon follow.  I hope we will see the positivity rates start decline, which will allow ALL of us to ease up on our restricted lifestyles.

The Wellness Center continues to run at a 25% capacity, and I am so GRATEFUL that Denver and Arapahoe County did not see an uptick in positivity rates due to the Thanksgiving holiday!  While the rate is flat, at least it is not increasing.  I am proud of my community for staying safe, keeping our community safe, and keeping small businesses open!

I know this month will be a hard one for many.  I have gotten into the habit of calling at least one friend or family member each day to check in to see how they are doing.  Isolation and depression are very REAL.  Please take time to reach out to your friends and family either via the phone, through video, or outside in person.

Here are some things that we are doing to stay sane and relatively happy this month:

  • Virtual family talent show
  • Daybreaker morning dance parties, we do a little dance everyday to celebrate the day and get the body moving!
  • Shopping, mailing and delivering gifts to family and friends
  • Bundling up and getting outside as much as possible (walking, sledding, skiing)
  • Enjoying the holiday lights in our neighborhood, Cherry Creek, Downtown
  • Giving to those less fortunate. I have enjoyed “adopting” a family this holiday and buying their holiday gifts this season!
  • Eating YUMMY FOOD! Either through cooking from scratch or ordering from some of our favorite restaurants
  • Long hot baths
  • Puzzling, Coloring, Painting and Crafting (youtube is amazing for learning new things!)

I hope you all stay “connected” as much as you can this holiday season.  I give you permission to cry and grieve the “loss” of a normal holiday.  Grief is real.  If we allow ourselves to feel the grief, the more quickly it will release its grip and allow you to bring in more gratitude and joy.

Looking forward to 2021!

In gratitude and health,