For Anyone Who Feels the Weight of the Holidays

At Raised by Rangers, we open our arms to everyone — Ffyo’s, Rangers, hybrids, wanderers, and even those still trying to find their path. All are welcome here. Truly. Fully. As you are, not how the world says you’re supposed to be.

We know the holidays can be hard. Emotionally. Physically. Mentally. Financially. Spiritually. Sometimes all at once.

We want you to know — you are not alone. No one is ever alone. Not here. Not in this community. Not in the world.

Too often, we’re afraid to reach out. Afraid to say, I need help. But there is nothing wrong with asking. There is nothing weak about it. There is power in those words. There is courage in them. There is hope in them.

Sometimes, help takes a familiar shape —A favorite diner where the server knows your order by heart. A friend from work who always has one extra cup of coffee. A neighbor who nods when they see you and means it. Or even a stranger you’ve seen on the bus who looks like they might understand.

Sometimes all it takes is asking to sit beside someone — just for a moment. Just long enough to quiet the Fugglies of fear, doubt, or sadness that rise up when we feel alone.

And if you need more — more support, more connection, more care —It’s out there. Truly. Call, text, message, reach — and someone will reach back.

Because here’s the truth far too many people forget: Asking isn’t a burden. Asking is a bridge. And someone — somewhere — is already on the other side of it, waiting. Remember this too: Today is just a day. That’s all. Tomorrow is another. And the one after that, another still. No single day decides who you are, what you’re worth, or where your story goes next.

The day is not determined by the media. Not by your family. Not by your neighbors, coworkers, or anyone else who claims to know “how it’s supposed to be.”

Today is your day. Make it yours — in whatever way you need. Every day.

Even if all you do today is breathe — that counts. If all you do is get through it — that matters. If all you do is whisper, “I’m still here” — that is enough.

And if today is hard, let it be hard. If it’s quiet, let it be quiet. If it’s gentle, let it be gentle. And if it’s messy — it’s still yours.

Because your story doesn’t need to be tidy to be true.And you don’t need to shine to be seen.

Around here, we don’t measure people by how brightly they glow —but by the courage it takes to keep showing up.

One day at a time. One breath at a time. One choice at a time.

Today is your day. And if it wobbles — we’ll steady together.