The holidays are a time when many of us come together with family — whether for a single day or an extended visit. For some, this season feels joyful and connected, while for others, family dynamics can make it more challenging. The holidays can also stir up memories or past experiences that bring emotional stress or discomfort.

As we approach the holiday season, things start to feel chaotic and hectic. We are thinking of grocery lists, gift lists, scheduling for various holidays, and balancing our own lives. One thing that can be helpful to find peace and stability during this time is taking the space to practice gratitude.

Valentine’s Day is a day of love, affection, and romance. However, Valentine’s Day does not hold the same level of fondness for everyone. Whether you are grieving, experiencing difficulties in your relationship, struggling with loneliness, feeling pressured to express love in a specific or commercialized way, or comparing yourself to others on social media, Valentine’s Day can trigger uncomfortable feelings and make for a hard day.

I have a love-hate relationship with New Years Eve as a holiday. I love the holiday’s opportunities to reflect on the past year, cultivate gratitude for the triumphs and evolutions you experienced, and celebrate the new beginning of the next year, but I've noticed a cultural shift towards setting unrealistic, toxic, often shame-based resolutions.