Renewal & Fresh Starts
This word means letting go of something that no longer serves you.
What is releasing (or letting go)?
Holidays can bring this feeling when family gathers don't match what we expected or hoped for.
What is disappointment?
This is the feeling of warmth and thankfulness for being present and alive.
What is gratitude?
This simple outdoor activity, even a short one, is linked to improved mood and reduced anxiety.
What is going for a walk (or spending time outside)?
Easter eggs are traditionally this color family, which symbolizes the softness of spring.
What are pastel colors?
Spring is associated with this concept: the idea that no matter what happened before, you can begin again.
What is a fresh start (or new beginning)?
This type of support, such as reaching out to a friend or therapist, is especially important on high-stress holidays.
What is social support?
Some group members may feel this today — not sad, not happy, just flat or disconnected. It's valid and has a name.
What is numbness (or emotional blunting)?
Like flowers need sunlight, our nervous systems need this daily practice to stay regulated.
What is routine (or structure)?
This fictional Easter character is said to hide eggs and deliver baskets to children.
What is the Easter Bunny?
This recovery principle says that each day is a new oppurtunity, often phrased as "one ___ at a time."
What is day?
This coping strategy involves planning ahead for difficult moments, like deciding before a gathering how long you'll stay.
What is having an exit plan (or setting limits)?
This feeling can show up when others seem to be celebrating and you don't feel like joining in.
What is loneliness (or isolation)?
In therapy, we do this to our thought patterns by challenging cognitive distortions.
What is cognitive restructuring?
Easter always falls on a Sunday between these two months.
What is March and April?
In therapy, this is the process of examining old patterns and choosing healthier ways to respond.
What is reflection (or insight)?
Sometimes, holidays can bring up grief, especially if you're missing someone. This healthy practice involves honoring that loss rather than pushing it away.
What is acknowledging grief (or honoring the memory)?
This is what it's called when we feel two contradictory emotions at the same time — like joy and sadness on the same holiday.
What is ambivalence (or mixed feelings)?
This mindfulness practice invloving all five senses can ground you during a stressful holiday moment.
What is the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique?
Before Easter, some observe this 40-day period of reflection and fasting.
What is Lent?