And just like this, another holiday season is over. Another set of gifts opened, another set of holiday photos, activities, and family visits is over. To some, January signifies new beginnings. To others, a relief of the expectations of the holidays being over. Most of us live somewhere in between.

For me, the holidays remind me of the truth I pledge to hold onto and cultivate throughout the year: that we all are just a little more similar than different, we all wish to be accepted, we all are subject to shame and fear, joy and hope. We all want to be loved for who we are, yet we fear judgement and rejection. We fear the world will discover that deep down we are just scared little kids, pretending to have it all together, hiding behind our successes, new vehicles, and stylish haircuts.

For me, the holidays remind me that we have aged, but a part of us hasn’t grown up. We all carry that little boy or girl deep inside, who secretly worries others won’t like her, will judge her, will think her weird or not smart enough or shallow or annoying. We desperately work on our children’s self esteem because our own is burdened by insecurities. We cover them up with nice clothes and Botox, proper manners, powerful friends, club memberships, regular charity donations, and Prozac prescriptions. And this merry go round seems inescapable, and we almost feel normal in this insane game because we have all quietly agreed to play it.

But I have a secret. Because I’m a therapist, I’m privy to knowing what’s going on behind the scenes. And behind the scenes are scared little boys and girls, desperately wanting to be loved and accepted for who they are, despite their mistakes and imperfections. That person is me. Yes, me too. My psychology degree didn’t come with a get-out-of-jail card from being a human. I hurt too, I worry too, I am scared of not being a good enough mother, ruining my kids for life, and not doing enough for our community. I, too, am scared of dying, scared of losing those I love, and scared of not being able to handle what life might throw at me. Despite of having perfected numerous therapeutic tools, I, too, am subject to all the inner experiences humans are subject to. 

Me too. You too. They too. And maybe the lesson isn’t in finding new ways of covering up our insecurities, getting rid of our wrinkles, hiding our mistakes, pretending our lives aren’t subject to fault and flaws and imperfections. Maybe the way out is just the opposite. Maybe the way out is to simply stand tall and accept it. And meet ourselves and others with a little more compassion and understanding. We are all in it. At any moment, everyone is going their best, just like you and I. At any moment, no matter how tightly we grip, it can all fall apart. So why not be a little more prepared for that by practicing self-honestly and authenticity, by letting go of needing to have it all together. 

Maybe we take the holiday spirit with us into the new year of 2026. Maybe our kindness, inclusion, gratitude, and patience don’t end as we throw away the Christmas tree or put away that Menorah or store other holiday decorations. 

And maybe, the year 2026, could be marked by the return to a practice of compassion for our own mistakes and imperfections, as well as that of others. 

Dark cannot defeat dark. Only light can do that. Let’s be the good we want to see in the world. And let that begin with lighting your own candle, inside your own heart, then gently spread it to your family, friends, and neighbors.  

Here’s my wish for our community for the new year: not more success and happiness, no. But more acceptance. Of who we are as humans. Imperfect, sometimes afraid, sometimes ashamed, sometimes lonely, sometimes sad. Sometimes messy inside and out, but for that – beautiful. 

Don’t show me a field of perfectly trimmed grass. Show me a field of wild flowers, each different from the next, each showing its own vulnerability and unique beauty. 

So the next time you look into the eyes of your neighbor – look closely. Deep down there is a young child, wondering “am I good enough? Am I lovable?”. Let us affirm each other without words: “yes, yes, you absolutely are.. you imperfectly perfect being, you too are needed in this universe, thank you for being”. And when you finish this article, do me a big favor, go to the mirror, and gaze into your own eyes deeply, and smile at your beautiful imperfect face, and remind yourself that love doesn’t need to be earned. That you deserve it right now. Without conditions.

Happy new year, my dear friends! May it be kind to us, and may it renew our commitment to ourselves and others to be a little more loving,