If it is the most wonderful time of the year why are we not all blissfully happy?
This week a friend mentioned that she felt like she had been on a “sugar high” and was coming down in a certain situation in her life and I immediately related. How can conflicting emotions that are the exact opposites of one another often go hand in hand?
I’m happy…I’m happy!
Really, I am. I’m basically a happy person. I love to laugh, have a good time and strive to always find the good in every situation. I sometimes think that is the only way I survived much of my life up to this point. If I’d wallowed or dwelled I’d probably have checked out a long time ago. Life is good, my God is awesome, my children are happy, my family is…OK, let’s not get crazy here. Haha! I also believe in smiling. I believe in bringing as much joy as possible with me wherever I go and leaving that much or more behind when I leave. So all that being said I need to admit a secret about myself here; I also have an ongoing battle with depression.
Those two don’t really mix do they?
For me and many others they do. They are a marriage, a cocktail, a dynamic duo. I can on the surface be as happy as a pig in slop but underneath, deep inside be depressed. I manage them well though. It is also easier now than before. I thank a healthier lifestyle change for a big part of that. Slimming down, running and all the new, fantastic friends that have come along with that, new goals that have been successfully achieved and an overall better sense of self have eased the sting of the big D. But the holidays with all their wonder also bring stress and anxiety and those as we all know trigger depression.
I guess the point I’m trying to make in the midst of this rambling is that we all need to pause a moment when we find ourselves caught up in the frenzy of the Season. Spend some time with a friend over a cup of coffee. Play a board game with your children one evening instead of going out shopping. Listen to the words of Away in a Manger and reflect. Share a smile with a stranger. You never know who might be fighting their own personal demons under their bright and shiny cloak of cheer.
I want to share with you one of my favorite Christmas songs. I heard it for the first time last year and was blown away by the words and beauty. Actually I think this is a great song all through the year. I hope you enjoy.
Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2:14
2 comments:
Very wise words, lady! Normally Xmas depresses me for reasons you know, but things are different for me this year and I love this post! Keep it up!
Let me start by saying that I had a really long and entertaining comment that I tried to post, but it wouldn't let me. Starting over, I already know it won't be as good.
OK, now on to my response to your post. I want to tell you that this was a good wake-up call for me. Not only that, it is always comforting to know that we are not alone with certain thoughts and feelings that we often-times try to handle alone....even when we don't have to! I agree with good and bad going hand in hand. It's difficult to see it when you are on the bottom of the roller coaster, but as long as we head back up the next hill with a smile, all will right itself. I admit to conflicting feelings that hit me a lot. I like to think that I make people smile every once in a while with a friendly word or an attempt at a joke....which makes someone laugh one way or another. It's easy to get bogged down when depressed. It's difficult to remember the good stuff....even when it is smack in your face. I want to say that you are accomplishing your goal of bringing light to others. I know I always look forward to your witty posts, your life observations, your photos. It really does make a difference. When we need a pick-me-up, we can always count on you to be there.
It's easy to numerate the things we are grateful for. That's why there is a sense of guilt when we don't feel completely appreciative. I for one am guilty of "sweating the small stuff". This is partly heredity from my mom, partly nurturing at a young age and partly my inability to shake this lifetime of bad habits. The important thing is to acknowledge and make the attempt to rise above. Holidays are tough....especially as times in our country become more trying. You want to give and give, but have to hold back. Money really is the root of all evil, but we need it. As long as we remember that friends are the root of all good... Friends, family, hobbies, goals to achieve. These things all move us forward. You, my friend, are constantly moving forward with grace and STYLE. ;-)
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