To anyone who struggles through the winter, for whatever reason, remember:
You are seen
You are heard
You are important
You matter
YOU ARE LOVED
And, You are not alone.
In the dark and impossible moments, hours, days, lean into self-care when it feels like that’s all you’ve got. Honor the difficult feelings as you experience them. Acknowledge what hurts in you. Grieve. Rest. Meditate. Laugh. Hold your Self close. Nourish your body and your spirit. Love your sadness and your joy. Speak your vulnerable truth, even if only in a whisper. Ask your impossible moments to teach you, to help you grow.
Sometimes self-care is saying No to an invitation, or changing your mind. Be kind to yourself. Be flexible in your commitments. Pay attention when your energies change.
NONE OF THIS IS EASY. These are courageous acts and YOU, my friend, are courageous.
Nothing about You is unworthy of Love.
Reach out when you are ready and able – text if calling is too risky, email if texting is unmanageable. WE ARE COMMUNITY, and that means we hold each other in every way our Presence appears.
Holding you in Love.
Kellie Kinsman is Orange Coast Unitarian Universalist Church's intern minister. She may be reached at kellie@ocuuc.org.