I help parents of LGBTQ+ youth to understand, connect with, and celebrate their kiddos! Check out the resources I offer and sign up for my newsletter!
It's not bah humbugging, it's self care!
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Connection |
Hello, Reader!
The holiday season is "supposed" to be a time of joy and celebration. But as many parents are too well aware, it can also be a harried, stressful, and frustrating season. As I've mentioned in previous letters, none of my kids will be home for Christmas this year so I'm taking a huge leap into self-care and have released myself of all holiday-related expectations and tasks. No decorating, no baking, no rushing to myriad events to embrace the holiday magic, and I haven't listened to a single holiday album. To those who know that my home is usually overflowing with seasonal cheer by now, it may seem that I'm in denial, that I'm on a holiday strike, that I've dissociated from all things merry and bright. But I assure you, it's an intentional action of self-care and I'm reveling in it!
I am honoring the reality that 2023 brought me more life-changing transitions than any one year has the right to. I'm gearing up for some amazing projects that will bring a great deal of support to parents of LGBTQ+ kids, teens, and young adults in 2024. I'm pausing to reflect on ways to create deep connections, and how I can be of service and have a positive impact on many. I'm thinking about how to incorporate joy into every month of the year rather than trying to force it into a single month-long joy-fest.
I'm not advocating for anyone else to take this extreme approach and I know that next year at this time my home will be filled with sights, sounds, and smells that would make Norman Rockwell proud. What I'm advocating is that you determine what you need to care for yourself this season and simply do it without apology!
If bubble baths are your thing, by all means, soak away! But I invite you to consider what you can take away, and what you can add that will help you truly enjoy this season.
(in case anyone asks for one) |
- Are there boundaries that you need to place or enforce with someone?
- Do you need some quiet space to reflect on all of the blessings in the mess that life can be?
- Is there someone you need to express gratitude to?
- Do you need assurance that you are a good person, doing the best you can in this moment?
- Can you scale back on a holiday tradition and still keep the spirit of joy and celebration?
- Are you taking steps to connect with the people you love?
I would love to hear how you are caring for yourself, and if there are ways I can support you, please don't hesitate to reach out! I'm going to take a break from this newsletter and most social media until the end of 2023, but I'm still here for you.
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Reader, as always, I am grateful that you welcome me into your inbox. Is there something you need to discuss right away?
Sending you all the positive vibes you need today and every day! Jennifer Boudrye (she/her) Founder, Queer Camp Fair & Parent with C.A.R.E. Connecting families with LGBTQ+ children to the information & resources they need. info@queercampfair.com | info@parentwithcare.com IG & FB @queercampfair | IG & FB @parentwithcare |
Hi! I'm Jennifer Boudrye, Parent Coach.
I help parents of LGBTQ+ youth to understand, connect with, and celebrate their kiddos! Check out the resources I offer and sign up for my newsletter!
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