Four Ways to Manage Holiday Sadness
by Contrary to how it appears in the media, on the streets and in the malls, not everyone is happy at this time of the year. In the midst of the usual joy, happy expectations and good cheer, countless as suffering from loneliness, loss and hopelessness. I share four suggestions to help you not only to enjoy the Christmas holidays but to prime yourself to face the uncertainties of the New Year.
Just think that for each person who died this year, there are numerous family members and friends for whom Christmas has no meaning and brings no joy. Instead it is simply ongoing pain, fear, uncertainty and maybe even unanswered questions. The story behind each death may be different but it doesn’t matter when the loved ones left behind are hurting.
You pain may be just as deep, your fears just as real and your burden just as heavy. Nevertheless, making the effort to alleviate someone else’s burden makes your easier to bear. Step just beyond your own problems, your own loneliness and reach out to someone who is trying to move on after the loss of a loved one or rebuild his or her life after a divorce, a fire or some other tragedy.
Compassion has been proven to not only lift the spirits of the receiver but to miraculously bless the heart of the giver. So whether it is a phone call, a visit, a listening ear, a supportive shoulder, an encouraging word, a gentle touch, provision of some much-needed items or help with a chore, share from the essence of your own need. Share from the low supply in your emotional, physical and material storehouse. Give from your bare essentials, even if it means scraping the bottom of your barrel and you will experience the satisfaction of giving, even when your own heart is longing for compassion.
Would you try these four suggestions today? Afterwards, their basic premise of peace within, a comforting environment, gratitude and reaching out despite your own suffering can help you cope with and rise above any distressing circumstance that will come in the New Year.
Additional note: Maybe you are not subject to the loneliness and depression that might be plaguing so many. Maybe you’ve been spared the kind of experiences that make this time of peace, joy, gaiety and family togetherness, a time of heartache. If this is your happy reality, you can be the agent of peace, comfort, gratitude and compassion for someone whose story is different. Remember and reach out to them this Christmas and in the New Year.
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