Happy Thanksgiving!
I imagine you have mixed feelings about Thanksgiving this year, yes?
It seems to me that most of the news coverage and TV shows have a heavy emphasis on the positives – the trouble-free family get-togethers, gratitude, smiles, laughter, fun, and love. That can be a far cry from reality and especially if you’re in the early stages of divorce. Thanksgiving and divorce really don’t go very well together.
It might be tempting to put on a brave face, to keep going with the traditions you and your STBX have created, and to make like nothing has changed.
Well, everything IS changing and rather than resisting that I’d like to urge you to accept it.
What do your plans for the day look like?
As you think about these, is there an activity you’re not crazy about? Something that’s making you feel tense or anxious, giving you a knot in your stomach?
What is it about the activity that is making you feel like this?
Is there a way to modify the activity so you feel more comfortable?
What would happen if you decided not to do this at all?
What else could you do to take care of yourself?
I’m not suggesting you should skip Thanksgiving. Far from it. I’m a big believer in celebrations and festivities. They are part of what makes a family and how you modify your traditions is a key to making your rearranged family uniquely yours. You can start doing that right now …
P.S. What if I asked you if you were thankful for your STBX? Could you join me in my Thanksgiving challenge?