When Holidays Hurt (A Poem)

Written by psychotherapist and poet Shannon Algeo, this audio poem serves as a gentle sanctuary for those navigating the emotional complexities of holidays and the weight of difficult family dynamics. The poem moves from acknowledging the stings of difficult relational patterns toward a deliberate practice of releasing pain that does not belong to you. By encouraging listeners to view heartache as a guide toward inner belonging, this poem emphasizes the importance of returning to one’s own light and spiritual sovereignty. The message offers a hopeful blessing, reminding us that our breath and inherent worth provide a permanent home even during the darkest seasons of life.