A friend of Dr. Robin who is coping with the loss of a dear friend shared with her how tough the holiday season will be this year. That got Dr. Robin thinking—how are you living this holiday season? Are you feeling on top of the world, or does it feel like the world is on top of you?

Whether you are filled with excitement and joy this time of year or you are struggling with heartache and pain, Dr. Robin says to pay attention to what you need. "Check in with each person and be honest with the people who you love, letting them know how you are feeling this year," she says.

The holidays can be a glorious time of celebration for some, and for others it's a time of despair, Dr. Robin says. But don't listen to someone else's definition of how you are supposed to be feeling. Figure out what it is that you need to do to create tenderness, compassion and love in your life right now, she says.

If you are filled with joy, Dr. Robin says to take a look around you and see whether you may be able to share some with someone else. Or maybe someone else will catch your eye, and the sadness that you carry will be lightened a little bit. "Allow this holiday time to become something that is authentically yours," Dr. Robin says.