Go outside. Just do it. I’m not kidding. It’s so good for you.

Right now, we’re in a period of “rebirth”; it’s coming up to the Winter Solstice, which means that days will begin to become longer, and nights shorter. Now is a time to let go of any past negativity, embrace what we have right now, think about what we’ve learned from the past year, and look forward to the coming year. It’s a time to reflect on where you are as a person, what you want to achieve in the next year, and to be grateful for all the things you hold dear.

That’s what Christmas is all about. Well, it’s what Winter festivals have been about (loosely) for centuries, but people have forgotten the ~true meaning~ of these ancient celebrations (i.e., self-reflection for inner peace), because we’re so focused on this rubbish, soul-less, modern version of Christmas – which, honestly, a lot of the time, doesn’t have a hell of a great effect on your mental health.

Christmas can be a difficult time of year, particularly for people with mental health issues, and particularly for people with Borderline who have found it difficult to build and maintain positive relationships with others.

It’s all stress. It’s all about what you’re going to buy, how (the fuck) you’re going to pay for it, whether or not you’ll get on with the people you’re spending Christmas with (if anyone), or how you’re going to cope with it all generally – financially, emotionally, physically, etc.

So fuck the Christmas stress. If you’re worried about presents, it’s the thought that counts. If you’re worried about being alone, at least you don’t have to be around people you hate or are toxic to you (and you won’t be alone forever; think about all the things that can happen in one year). If you’re worried about spending Christmas with people you hate or are toxic to you, stay safe, and try to get through it as best you can.

Beyond that (and I do hope you have a positive Christmas anyway), give yourself a positive experience this Christmas. Think about what this Winter festival should really be about, in your view, and make it your own. Do something that’s actually enjoyable for you. Welcome in the new year in a way that’s meaningful and positive to you.

Don’t let the meaning of the Winter Solstice pass you by, because you’re too busy trying desperately to fulfil the requirements of a modern Christmas, particularly if this version tends to suck your spirit dry. This is a time of reflection, of inner peace, of welcoming in new opportunities. Go outside. Look at the sky – day or night. You can do this perfectly well, solo. Think about the coming of longer days, and what that represents to you. The Solstice is relevant to us all, no matter what your religious/spiritual beliefs are, if you even have any. What do you look forward to? What have you learned? Give yourself time in nature, to be mindful, and contemplate all the positives you hope to experience during the coming year.

If nothing else, go out for a walk during these Winter months. It’s cold, but beautiful. Let yourself be taken in by its beauty.

Look at a tree or something. For like a whole five minutes. I’m not kidding.

Merry Christmas, you filthy animals.