Let’s make this year different
By Michelle Nierling GUEST COLUMNIST
We know it’s coming. The holidays. Time to gather with family and friends, surrounded by bright lights, crisp air, laughter and the faint smell of pine. It’s the season of love and joy. For many, this is a time to feel happiness and warmth, just by thinking of these few sentences.
But for others, it’s not happiness and joy we feel; it’s sadness, loss, stress, and the big A—anxiety. The pressure to be happy or festive can sometimes amplify feelings of loneliness, overwhelm or despair.
What if this year could be different? What if we could be proactive, rather than reactive? What if we could simply try something new? Recently, I’ve noticed that I’ve been going through the motions of life, dreading the feelings I know are coming. Ah, but wait—why am I wasting time worrying about emotions that haven’t even arrived yet? Why am I letting the past dictate my future? Is it possible to break this cycle?
I’m going to try. And maybe, just maybe, you can too.
Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much
If you’ve been following along in this column, you’ll know we’ve talked about the importance of holding space, getting quality sleep, breath work, and other mindfulness practices. These are all helpful tools that can carry us through the holiday “daze”—for those who need it the most.
But what if we could also be proactive? What if, instead of waiting for the holiday blues to hit, we start by being more kind, more aware of those around us? Small acts of kindness could make a world of difference.
Next time you pass someone, take a moment to really look them in the eye and ask how they’re doing. Stop and hold the door open. Offer help, even in small ways. Spread smiles and gratitude. Who knows? You might replace someone’s big A (anxiety) with a small, unexpected smile.
Let’s take a minute, Big Sky community, to say hello, offer assistance, and when needed, take a deep breath together.
A simple moment of awareness
Take a moment right now. How are you feeling in your body? Are you tense, restless or fidgeting because your mind can’t quiet down? Notice that spot of tension.
Now, let’s try something together: take a slow, deep breath in through your nose—count to 8 as you inhale. Close your eyes. As you breathe in, focus on that tense spot and imagine the breath soothing that area. Hold at the top for just 3 seconds, and then gently exhale. Roll your head from side to side.
Do you feel a little better? It’s amazing how a simple breath can reset your mind and body.
Let’s do better, together
This holiday season, let’s be proactive. Let’s do things a little differently. Together, we can lift each other up, be kinder, and practice mindfulness in our everyday lives. Because the truth is, we don’t need to wait until the New Year to make changes. It starts now—through every small act of kindness, through every breath, through every moment we choose to be present.
This year, let’s make it count. Together.
As Big Sky continues to grow, so do all the valuable resources throughout our community. People are willing to help, to listen, to just be human. You can find all of our local resources—things from housing and mental health to food bank and other resources—in one spot: www.bewellbigsky.org. Search around on the site, click through the tabs, I bet you find things you need and never knew existed.
Michelle Nierling is the mother of two young adults, and the Noona to two beautiful grandchildren. She works at Yellowstone Club as the Culinary and Dining Administrator. She is a volunteer member with Community Support Group and Be Well Big Sky’s Navigator Network, and serves on Be Well Big Sky’s leadership council.
