Finding Your Way Home: Processing, Reflecting & Carrying Wisdom Forward
Cozy Southern porch at sunrise decorated for Christmas with a rocking chair, festive plaid blanket, steaming mug of tea, journal, holiday wreath, garland, and string lights—evoking peaceful holiday reflection, new beginnings, and Southern warmth.
You made it through. The holidays are over. The house is quiet again. The family has gone home. The decorations are coming down. And now you're sitting with all of it—the joy, the chaos, the grief, the exhaustion, the lessons, the love.
This is Part 3. This is Finding Your Way Home.
The Grief That Comes After
Here's something nobody talks about: the grief that comes after the holidays. We talk about missing people who aren't there. We talk about the weight of traditions that feel heavy. But we don't talk about the grief that comes after—the grief of it being over, of returning to normal, of realizing something you were dreading is now behind you, and you're left with all the feelings.
Maybe you're grieving someone who died. Maybe a relationship that ended. Maybe the version of yourself that existed before everything changed. All of that grief is valid. Sit with it. Write, talk, cry, feel. Ask: What am I grieving? Why does this matter? What do I need to say? Let it exist. Grief that's honored transforms into wisdom.
What Did You Learn?
Now that the holidays are over, ask: What did I learn? Maybe you found new strength, set boundaries, realized perfectionism's cost, or learned you need more help. Write down five things you learned about yourself. For each, ask: How does this change how I move forward? These are seeds of transformation.
Letting Go of What Didn't Serve You
Some traditions or roles no longer serve you. Letting go can be gentle—a simple acknowledgment: "This doesn't work for me anymore." There may be discomfort, but on the other side is freedom. Ask: What am I ready to let go of? What expectation, tradition, or pattern? Let it go, lovingly.
Creating New Traditions That Bring Joy
Once you let go, you can create new traditions that are truly yours. Maybe it's a morning ritual, a walk, volunteering, or a quiet day. Make it intentional, meaningful, and joyful.
Forgiving Yourself (And Maybe Others)
You did the best you could. Forgive yourself for what you wish you'd done differently. If needed, forgive others too—not for them, but for your own peace. Write a letter, then let it go.
Carrying the Wisdom Forward
As you move into a new year, remember what you learned and what brought you joy. Let this wisdom guide you—not as a burden, but as gentle direction for living more authentically.
You're Not Lost. You're Becoming.
You've made it through. You're integrating, evolving. The porch light is always on whenever you need to come home to yourself.
Want to Go Deeper? Listen to this post come to life in Part 3: Finding Your Way Home of The Porch Light Circle podcast—"Coming Home to Yourself During the Holidays." Streaming now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and everywhere you listen.
Grab the Complete Holiday Journal If today's post touched something in you, you're ready for the Coming Home to Yourself: The Complete Holiday Journal. Inside, you'll get deep grief processing pages, reflection worksheets, lessons learned guides, forgiveness exercises, new traditions brainstorms, and year-ahead intention setting—everything you need to integrate the holidays and carry wisdom forward. Get yours for just $37 at stan.store/changeyourcourseonline
Take What You Need You don't have to have it all figured out. You just have to keep showing up for yourself. And when you're ready, come back to the porch. The light is always on.
—Meredith 🍵
