Struggling? Honesty Can Help

Kids and I creating new traditions on Christmas Eve

When I shared my blog in December “It’s Okay to Not Feel Joy This Christmas,” I received an overwhelming response from you all. This showed me just how powerful it is to admit we’re not always okay. So many of you told me you felt normal and less alone in your holiday heaviness, shared personal stories with me, and provided reassurance. It was heartwarming and reminded me we are more similar than different, as humans. 

I brought your comments to mind when I had to send the kids off to their dads and walked in to an empty house on Christmas eve. I spent the rest of the evening reflecting on how life can change in ways we don’t expect. Was it hard? Beyond. But in choosing to be honest about those emotions, I found a sense of acceptance I didn’t think was possible. I had a good cry and spent the rest of the evening with a dear friend. 

That same honesty about struggling that I shared, applies all year, and as a sex therapist, I see how it’s so vital in all parts of our lives. Feeling insecure—whether it’s about your career, finances, relationship, parenting, body image, desire, or performance—doesn’t make you flawed; it makes you human.

Now that the holidays have passed, it’s tempting to believe our emotional rollercoaster should be behind us too. But life isn’t that tidy. Some days you may feel on top of the world; other days, insecurities creep in. That’s okay. Embracing self-acceptance means welcoming the whole spectrum of feelings and experiences without judgment of yourself or shame.

Hearing from so many of you about my “not so merry” Christmas post confirmed how vital it is to keep showing up authentically. If being vulnerable about sadness can make even one person feel less alone, imagine what honest talk about our struggles, sexual insecurities, and relationship challenges could do.

It’s my hope that we’ll keep this conversation rolling—long after the holidays fade and we settle back into our usual routines. We don’t have to do it alone, and we don’t have to pretend we’re always okay. After all, mental health is health, in every area of our lives, and there’s room for all our messy, beautiful humanity. 

At LGA, we aim to be authentic humans so you can feel safe doing the same. If you’re carrying unresolved feelings or insecurities—holiday-related or otherwise—reach out.