A Holiday Message…
Well where did that year go? I think 2016 will go down in history as one of the strangest years in history. I hope all of you made it through unscathed and positive about the future. In these uncertain times it can be difficult for many, especially those of us in chairs who often depend on caregivers for help. Life in a chair can often make us feel marginalized or different, adding the holiday mayhem and social madness to the mix can trigger sadness, depression, and sometimes feeling alone… even among family. Here is a holiday message for you:
A Holiday Message
I have been blessed with a close, caring family, others not as much, and many somewhere in the middle. I don’t really have anything to complain about, but emotions are complex and funny things. I know what it is to feel lonely even in a crowded room full of loved ones. If I can instill one thought of the minds of my readers this season, and that is, if you are alone or feeling alone during this happy season take a few things to heart.
You are not alone.
Life is a difficult thing. We are all on this journey, learning and growing. Each of us has something, some may be worse than others, but we share the same feelings and joys and fears. Take the time to look around. Count your blessings. That may sound trite, but it works.
Take time to tell the ones you love that you love them.
You get what you give. Feeling alone? Show someone else they matter. Thank them for something, anything. Channeling your emotions in another direction can be a powerful tool for changing your mood.
Forgive somebody.
Never underestimate the power of forgiveness, even if it’s yourself. Oftentimes we feel alone because we’re holding on to past hurts, misunderstandings, and times when people have done us harm. This time of year, despite all the consumerism, media hype, and modern noise we endure it really is a time when people feel empathy towards others. The act of giving gifts alone causes us to value the relationships we share with our fellow man. While we’re in this mindset we can take advantage of this time to mend the past and right a few wrongs. Remember, the high road is always best. Extending the hand of forgiveness doesn’t always mean it will be returned, but that doesn’t matter. What matters is you. The peace of knowing you have done the right thing will help you beat the loneliness blues.
I know that this blog is often about living with a disability, but all the healthy living tips, how-tos, and personal anecdotes don’t mean a thing if we don’t have the peace and contentment inside ourselves. Life is more than the physical and these experiences we go through can trigger complex emotions that affect our health, daily decisions, and more. This holiday season take time to be a better person. Reach out and use the spirit of good will to bring healing and happiness to yourself and others.