Hi Reader,

There's a memory I return to every year around this time, one that carried me through some of my loneliest years.

After my grandpa died, my son and I would often spend a night at my grandma's house around Thanksgiving or sometime during the Christmas season. It wasn't fancy. We watched cheesy Hallmark Christmas movies, shared leftovers or whatever simple meal I brought, and always made room for dessert.

But my favorite part came at the end of the night, when everything slowed down and the TV was off. That's when she could talk for hours. Not in a restless way, but in this open, unfiltered, intimate way that only happens when you feel completely safe with someone.

We talked about my grandpa, past holidays, my son... anything really. I was longing for a relationship that felt that meaningful and she was recalling her own. We were both single. We were both grieving in our own ways. And yet, we were deeply connected.

Those nights were some of the most honest, comforting, unexpectedly healing moments of my life. They reminded me that love doesn't only come through romance. Sometimes the most meaningful connection shows up in the people who accept you exactly as you are and make space for you normal, everyday life.

I didn't have to perform. I could just be.

Honestly, connecting with her in those grieving years was my favorite. It felt more honest and real than perhaps any other time in our lives.

I will carry those memories forever.

As we move into the heart of the holiday season, I want to invite you to reflect on your own moments like this:

Who in your life, outside of romantic relationships, has made you feel deeply seen, accepted, or present? A grandparent, a friend, a mentor, a sibling, a neighbor, a coworker. Someone who showed up in a way that made you feel like you were the only person in the world for that moment.

And just as important:

How might you honor or reconnect with that kind of relationship this season? The one that brings calm, meaning, or presence into your life.

It doesn't have to be big. A phone call. A shared dessert. A meaningful conversation at the end of the night.

These small moments matter more than we often realize, and they remind us that connection is available in many forms... even when life feels full, messy, or a little lonely.

If the word "lonely" surprised you because your life is full of people, responsibilities, and a to-do list that never ends... you're not alone in that.

Sometimes the deepest loneliness shows up when we're surrounded by others but still feel unseen. If that resonates, these two posts might feel like they were written for you:

​How Spiritual Practice Helps Ease Loneliness, Anxiety, and the Ache for Deeper Connection​

You smile. You engage. You show up. But when you leave, there's still this ache or longing. You didn't really get filled up. If you've ever felt disconnected even while doing all the "right things," this post explores why the loneliness we feel often isn't about a lack of people. It's about a lack of deeper connection with ourselves, with others, and with something greater. And no, you're not meant to figure that out alone.

​Read the post →​

​Discover Freedom from the Cycle of Loneliness​

Do you ever feel like you're constantly busy but still empty? Like you're running on a hamster wheel of activities, distractions, and to-dos that never actually leave you feeling satisfied? This post unpacks why our efforts to avoid loneliness often backfire, and what it looks like to finally get off the wheel. Not by doing more, but by changing what's driving you in the first place.

​Read the post →​

And remember, you are always loved—no matter what.

warmly,

Sherri M. Herman, MA, LPCC

P.S.

If someone or a memory came to mind as you read this, I'd genuinely love to hear. Hit reply and share with me.