The holiday season is when families come together and spend time with loved ones. We wait all year to sip on eggnog, listen to stories, and make memories while eating comfort food. It’s vital we spend time with family and friends because that’s what makes us keep going. Spending time with family is one of the best things I love about the holidays. I am fortunate to not only have my own family but a great extended family to laugh, joke, and cherish moments with. However, there are some people who are not as fortunate. Those who are homeless or happen to be in a situation where they are nowhere near loved ones, can be rough during the holidays.
Be sure to be there for someone in need. Of course we can contribute to those financially, supply toys to the less fortunate, and food to the homeless. But some people need someone to talk to, someone to listen to them.
We have to be responsible and accountable when it comes to our mood. No one is in control of our feelings but ourselves. Pay attention to what you have been doing in the past few days. Have you been focusing on self-care? If not, then you will be surprise with some of things you can do that can make you feel better.
Get some fresh air/ there is nothing wrong with stepping out of the house and embracing what God has given us. Having the ability to go outside for a brisk walk, or watching the birds or listening to the cool air is a blessing. If you have time to go for a walk at work step outdoors during your lunch break. It can make the workday go faster and make you feel good about yourself. Take advantage and watch how your mood can change.
Have gratitude / know that your situation can be worse. If you have something to be thankful for, take a moment to think about that and reflect on how far you have come in life.
Journal or Write a Letter/ write down how you feel, if you are up to it, write why you feel this way. Seeing your thoughts on paper can help you come up with ways for improvement. Getting your emotions out is forcing that negative energy out of your body. You will feel good. If you are struggling with a relationship between someone, write a letter. You don’t have to necessarily send it to them but jot your thoughts down. In due time you may be wiling to share, or better yet call that person on the phone and tell them how you feel.
Reach out to someone / writing helps a lot. But having a friend that you trust and can talk to is icing on the cake. If your situation requires professional help, seek a counselor. You can contact your insurance company or speak to your manager about the Employee Assistance Program (E.A.P) they can help you find a therapist and some of the sessions can be free!
Start now / I have a habit of putting things off. I know I do! Putting things off is not good for anyone. It gets piled up in the back of our brain and then we forget until it’s too late. If something is on your heart, do it now. If writing your feelings down on paper or calling a friend will improve your mood…why wait?
Broken relationships also plays a factor in our mood. We think about people throughout the year, but there is something about the holidays where people are on our hearts. It’s the season of giving so anyone we think of we reminisce on memories and interactions whether they are good or bad.
Arguments start because of miscommunication
Arguments happen sometimes more than others but that does not mean you have to act as if that person does not exist. Be the bigger person and speak to that relative or call that friend you grew distant with. One conversation can change an outcome in someone’s life. There may be something you did to hurt that person. It could have been unintentional and that is something you two can talk about. A lot of arguments are from miscommunication and once two mature people talk it out, the problem is solved. Now if it is something rooted deep, this would be the opportunity to speak to a heath care professional. However, the initial conversation should start with you.
The first emotion we experience is LOVE. It is a natural feeling but when hate becomes involved it can get nasty and sooner than later love is nowhere to be found. It’s as if it never existed. In the season of giving, allow yourself to be vulnerable and rekindle the relationships that was tarnished over the years. It’s adequate to have that initial conversation first to avoid any confusion or future fall outs. Discussing issues with the person in a mature manner will show your level of growth which leads to respect and possible healing to the relationship.
We attend to have altercations and arguments with people and make up but never talk about the situation. We don’t bring it up, but when another situation occurs, (most of the times they do) anger arises. The relationship breaks again and it’s worse off compared to what it was before. We must remind ourselves that God is LOVE and that’s what HE wants for us to do…love one another.
So whether you are out there shopping and someone comes across your mind. Be sure to let them know you were on their hearts. If you are having trouble talking to someone that you have issues with, talk to a mutual friend you can trust. Let’s end this year off by changing our broken relationships which will allow us to feel better about ourselves and each other.
What struggles are you dealing with this holiday season? What are you looking to change about your self next year?