This season brings all the feelings, doesn’t it?
On a global scale, life can feel impossible to manage. Negativity seems to seep into every corner of our days, a low hum we carry whether we want to or not. And yet, life bustles on. It is the holiday season, full of wrapping paper and shopping lists, ribbons and bows. The colors, the lights, the decorations glow with love and warmth. The anticipation of seeing my family, sharing meals and memories, and most of all savoring the gift of their presence fills me with hope and joy.
But the season carries echoes, too.
Alongside the joy live the memories of years past. Time with loved ones who no longer walk the earth. The holidays can hold a quiet dichotomy of emotions, joy braided tightly with longing. Loss and grief are not linear. They do not evaporate with time. Instead, they weave themselves into the fabric of our lives. We carry our loved ones close in our hearts while mourning the simple, sacred things we can no longer do: sitting at the table together, making new memories, sharing space.
Christmas has historically been the happiest time of the year for me. It has always felt magical. Not because of presents, but because of the small moments. This year, though, I find myself struggling a bit. I have so much to be grateful for, and that gratitude helps steady me, but it has also been a tough year. Both things can be true.
So why am I sharing this?
Because I suspect I am not the only one who feels moments of sadness during a season that insists on joy. I have always tried to walk through this life leading with love. It has been my compass for as long as I can remember. And when life feels especially challenging, I try to meet it with courage, too.
That is why I often use a purple heart. 💜
For me, it represents the blending of both: love and courage, tenderness and strength, softness with resolve. It is a reminder that we can hold space for joy and grief, gratitude and weariness. That we do not have to force ourselves to feel “merry” when our hearts are asking for honesty instead.
We do not need any more weight to carry. Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is tell the truth about where we are, to ourselves and to one another. To keep showing up, imperfectly, with open hearts. To lead with love, and when that feels hard, to borrow courage and keep going anyway.
If this season feels complicated for you, you are not alone. There is room here for all of it. 💜
Sending you so much love,
Susan
#LeadingWithLove #LoveAndCourage #PurpleHeartEnergy #ChooseLove #quietcourage #Authenticliving