Holiday Reflection on Radical Acceptance

As the holiday season wraps us in its familiar mix of joy, warmth, and sometimes chaos, I find myself reflecting on something that feels especially important this year: radical acceptance. It’s a phrase that I learned in therapy. I am trying embrace it, not just in theory but in practice—especially with myself and those around me.

Christmas, for many of us, is a time of celebration, but it’s also a time of reckoning. We look back at the year and, if we’re honest, we see how much we’ve grown. Maybe we’ve worked on our patience, learned to let go of old grudges, or put in the hard work to become more us than we ever were before. And yet, there’s often a quiet voice inside, wondering if we’ve done enough or if we’re enough.

Here’s where radical acceptance comes in. It's about celebrating how far we’ve come—without guilt, without comparing ourselves to anyone else. It’s okay to acknowledge your growth, to be proud of your journey, but also to hold space for others who might not be on the same path. Not everyone has had the same opportunities, the same struggles, or the same strength to evolve, and that’s okay. It’s not our job to judge or change anyone else; it’s simply our job to love them, exactly where they are. And the same goes for ourselves.

So, this Christmas, I’m choosing to embrace both sides of this truth: celebrating my growth with gratitude, while holding space for the people I love (and for myself) in all our imperfect, beautiful humanity. Whether or not we've had the same journey, we’re all here—together, sharing this season.

I know many of you are super busy this time of year. We take an already full plate and try to add in all the holiday festivities. Even though we enjoy and even look forward to many of them that doesn't mean they don't still require your energy. Be wise and intentional in how and who you give this time and energy to. Don't let the holiday pass in such a blur that you miss out on the simple beauty and joy the season can hold.

My wish for you this holiday is that you will feel deeply loved and appreciated, that you will know the gift you are to those around you, and that you will be able to experience the holiday in a way that will create beautiful memories.

Much love,