I didn’t expect to cry at check-in, but I did. Sometimes we carry more than we realize, and we need tears to clear the way.

I’m mostly removed from all of my routines because we’re on the road for twelve days for Thanksgiving and an anniversary celebration. I didn’t expect to be emotional when I Zoomed in and the team leader led with a video. I chocked up. Thankfully, my Zoom screen was dark, and I was on mute. I thought I had recovered as the others checked in, but when my turn came, I choked up more.

What was I carrying? Apparently more sorrow than I realized. I wasn’t aware because it’s never just one thing, is it? And often there’s not one big thing. It’s that pile of little things that stack up around your heart wall.

Tears are good. My mind and heart needed the cleanse and clarity: Hey! You’re carrying more than you think!

It’s a busy season, and as we collect things to stuff into bags under sparkly tissue paper, we often stuff down all the things we can’t give away, all the emotions we carry. Let the tears come when you need them. Let them be a reminder to take care and be mindful of what you brush off (Oh, it’s nothing). Because those little mercurial things are something.

I’m not sure if it’s just a thing about long trips, but I think they allow me to sort through the piles of little things I tend to ignore and to find some tears to clear my head. What are you doing to keep your holidays manageable and your emotions light?

©Pennie Nichols. All Rights Reserved. 2024.