As the holidays approach, the pace quickens and the do-list’s that never end continue to grow, there is always a frenzy to have someone special in our lives. We are not under enough pressure with work, families, social engagements and shopping, we now have to be reminded that there is no one to share our lives with when that party invitation arrives in the mail!
How did our busy lives become even more chaotic? The pressure put upon us to accomplish all the day-to-day tasks while we shop, wrap and ship the perfect gift is enough to drive a normal person mad!
Remember when you were young and the anticipation of the holidays meant so much more? Who would trade today’s plight for the simplicity of yester-year, when seeing your family and visiting even the kooky relatives brought peace and joy to your life? How could you have known that to fast forward five, ten or twenty years, the holidays would become drudgery?
Is it really necessary to lose those you love and spent countless happy holiday hours sharing the moment to appreciate the joy in your life today? Thanksgiving begins a four-week frenzy that would make a shark attack jealous! It does not have to be that way.
Let’s examine what is really important in your life and what there is to be thankful for. Are you making your list? Start with whatever health you have today. Even if you are not at your best, you can always bet and win there is someone doing not as well as you. So you labor to get up the steps? Some people have been in bed for years, while others are confined to a wheelchair. And so what if they are? Someone loves that person and is happy to see their face!
And you have lost some of your family to death? What about the friends and neighbors and co-workers and business associates who care that you are well, that you are here and graciously invite you to be part of their family? Those are all blessings.
If we are to believe the doom of economy the news proudly and frequently reminds us of, what about the job you do have? What about the many positions that want a positive person with a strong work ethic? Those ads are in our paper and on the Internet all the time. If you want a better future, there are companies looking for you!
I’ll bet Santa gets many secret wishes for someone to love. But do you love yourself? Are you loving towards others? Are you open and honest and caring and generous? Do you judge others, cheat others, or discard others? Well, who’s lonely now?
It’s all about change. As uncomfortable as change makes us all, we can always depend that things will always change. We lose those we love, the company makes less money, not more, people move, people divorce, families separate and yet, the holidays are sure to come.
The best way you will ever appreciate what you have is to volunteer to those who have less. Our fair city is full of homeless, the working poor, and the down and out. Before you criticize and judge where you are and all you have to do, look around. Look for those whose days you can brighten and watch the true miracle of the holidays work there magic on you.
Keep a smile on your face if only to make others wonder what you are thinking!
Tressa O’Lear
President
Together
Thanks for that message Tressa! All these things have been going through my own mind over the past week. I think many of us share these thoughts around this "holiday season" time, so it's good to have a reminder about being grateful and helping those who are less fortunate.
With 'smile on face' I add – happy holidays to all.