It’s Thanksgiving Week and a LOT is Happening!!
Anxiety...
Unless you live with it, you don’t truly understand. And even if you do live with it, you know that there aren’t adequate words to explain it to others.
It’s always there – even when it’s dormant.
And when it acts up, when it’s raging – no one else knows. It’s invisible, even though it feels like you’re glowing neon for the world to see.
Even the people you’ve told, the ones who know your story, can’t see it. Or if they do, they don’t understand the intensity. They can’t.
That’s why I share about my anxiety. Because if I don’t tell you – you won’t know.
You won’t know that what seems like a simple question to you involves layers of thinking for me. You won’t know when my insides are in chaos because externally, I look fine.
I’m talking about this now because SO many people are struggling. In so many different ways.
So it feels extra important as we head into this Thanksgiving Week to be brutally honest. To tell it like it is. To share some of the things that help me.
For those of you traveling, like me, have you planned your “recovery time?” Are there things you can do before you leave that will make your return home calmer?
I did laundry and made sure I have everything I need in the house so I don’t have to run to the store for a missing ingredient 
I intentionally scheduled my appointments and plans so I don’t have one of those weeks without a minute to come up for air.
I had reiki before traveling and have an appointment scheduled as soon as I’m back home.
Having these things already in place gives me less that I have to think about in the moment. It gives me self care before I’m desperately in need of it. It sets me up for less chaos – and more calm.
But what about the actual time I’m in Michigan and with my friends and family?How do you navigate the moods, the emotions, and the conversations? How do you get through the actual holidays when no one else truly gets it?
I always have at least one person who knows I might be struggling internally. I share my code word, peanut butter pancakes, in case I need their attention. It’s absolutely comforting knowing that if I say peanut butter pancakes, my brother knows that I need him – or an out – or something!
I bring my soothing back remedies, my journal, and plenty of my relaxation activities. I have my happy playlist ready, and people available to call in case I just want a quick distraction.
I decide what I want to do before people start making plans for me. I take control of these things so my emotions don’t control me.
I bring comfortable clothes. I have time set up to connect with MY people….the ones who DO get it. They know what it’s like without any words necessary so scheduling time, rather than waiting to see if I need it, always helps.
And this trip, I'm doing something extra special...
I’m doing what’s important to me – sharing Griefhab with the world, and I’d love for you to join me!
Griefhab Goes Global!! So join me Tuesday, 11/22, on zoom to hear all the exciting news.
It’s huge – and I need all the support and help possible, so please register here!
Even if you can’t join me live, I’ll send you the replay so you don’t miss anything!
You can also support Griefhab Goes Global on Giving Tuesday. So no one struggles alone!
AND...
The holiday support group I just started is already blowing my mind!
It reminds me that we heal together much better than we can on our own. People exchanged emails and numbers already, and we’ve only just begun.
So – I’m turning my Relief From Grief Workshop into an 8 week support group to help YOU heal YOUR WAY.
We’ll use my SHOUT Guide for healing and have an entirely interactive 8 weeks of support – PLUS special guests bringing you the extra tools and magic you ask for…
There are daytime and evening options but spots are limited so SIGN UP HERE for these one time only crazily reduced rates.
Groups begin the first week of December!
Want to buy services for a friend or loved one? Prefer to work with me one on one rather than in a group?
Email sam@samantharuth.com and mention Black Friday for your discount.
Sending everyone love and a very Happy Thanksgiving.
Sam, Sassy and Dallas (who I already miss!!!)
Hopefully this blog has provided some comfort, education or awareness. If you know someone who will benefit from reading this blog, please share it.
Connect with me anytime by email or join The Griefhab Community for unlimited access to me, resources, and others who get it!
You can hear more of my thoughts on my Podcast The Be Ruthless Show available on iTunes and Spotify and anywhere Podcasts are available.
By making noise and breaking stigmas we can make the world a better place.
