Pain in the Midst

“And Nehemiah continued, “Go and celebrate with a feast of rich foods and sweet drinks, and share gifts of food with people who have nothing prepared. This is a sacred day before our Lord. Don’t be dejected and sad, for the joy of the Lord is your strength!”” Nehemiah 8:10

November is here, Black Friday shopping has begun, Christmas movies are all over the streaming services and Thanksgiving meals are being planned. It’s what the joyous like to call the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. And you have to admit, it’s hard to deny it. The last two months of the year are some of the most happiness filled days of the year. But not when you’re hurting.

Seasonal Grief and Depression creep in around the times when you would usually hear from loved ones, those who may now be gone. Or when you’re newly single, or more single now than you were last holiday season. Or maybe you had a falling out with a friend who loved the holidays as much as you and now they aren’t speaking to you. Whatever is causing you to Hurt when you’d normally be Happy, it’s put a damper on your holiday spirit and it’s introduced pain in the midst of what is usually a good time. So how do you get through it? We’ll take the rest of the year testing some theories and seeing how facing your Hurt when you want to be Happy. For now, let me affirm you with some thoughts you can take with you.

Affirmation 1: Everything is on Purpose. No matter what the circumstance, Happy or Hurting, it’s not an accident. Everything happens exactly the way it’s supposed to and your only option is to respond to it. Choose your response wisely.

Affirmation 2: There are no rules to the Holidays. If you want to stay in, stay in. If you want to hang out, hang out. There is no one way to celebrate or recognize the holidays so find what makes it most bearable for you and do that. Enjoy your holiday your way.

Affirmation 3: You don’t have to carry it all on your own. Nothing says you have to suffer the holidays in silence. Find some people you can trust and lean on them to get you through all the holiday parties, gifts and carols. Sharing the load means your shoulders don’t have to be stressed.

So I hope you’ll be back next week week as we prepare ourselves for the last haul of the year. Be kind to yourself and others as you embark on this holiday season. Just know that I love you, I’m proud of you and I’m in your corner. I wish happiness on your life and household, and may keep conquering daily.