Helpful Mantras for Navigating Grief and the Holidays Solo

Grief often comes in waves, and yesterday afternoon brought a dip in my own journey. These dips are a natural part of reshaping life after loss, but they can feel unsettling when they happen. Thankfully, I didn’t drown in the grief or let myself spiral into overthinking. I didn’t go completely underwater—at least not for long. Instead, I allowed myself to flow with it until I reached a more buoyant place. This is what I’ve come to expect during this season of spending Christmas solo.

Here’s a list of helpful mantras I’ve collected from various sources since my last post:

1. First thing in the morning: Today is going to be a great day! (No toxic positivity or spiritual gaslighting involved.)

2. Don’t weaponize your grief against yourself. (It’s okay to make my life more my own now.)

3. Intellectualizing loss and pain is a form of escapism.

4. When I begin to feel again, creativity returns.

5. I will follow my curiosity rather than my passions.

6. Don’t resist growth.

7. Trust the process.

8. I am safe.

9. My feelings and needs matter.

10. Music (and other creative art forms) is good for the soul.

Since moving to Mexico about ten years ago, I struggled to listen to music without falling apart. This Christmas, however, I’m delighted to share that I’ve been enjoying Christmas carols again. What a gift it is to reconnect with music.

Today’s post is brief, but I hope the list offers some support. Remember, it’s okay to feel deeply.

Feliz Navidad amigas y amigos!