“The holiday season is a perfect time to reflect on our blessings and seek out ways to make life better for those around us.” ~Terri Marshall
“May you be overwhelmed with joy and gratitude this holiday season. Draw from your inner strengths, dig deep, they’re there” ~Tracy Diamond Denson
Hi Diamonds! The Holidays are here. And I understand for some this is the most joyous time of the year, yet for others this may be a very difficult and lonely time of the year. November brings us “Thanksgiving” - gratitude month, being intentional and taking the time to reflect on what we are grateful for and sharing with family, loved ones, and friends how grateful we are for them and the things that we have shared throughout the year. Family togetherness is such an invigorating time, enjoying the festivities, laughter, storytelling, and appreciation for what we have and anticipate coming. Then there is “Christmas” – celebrating JESUS, HE is the reason for the season. Sharing the love in our heart for one another, exchanging heartfelt gifts, and holiday dinner spreads, along with the beautiful decorations and lights. As the remaining of the year closes out, “Season’s Greeting” we venture into a NEW YEAR‼! This and more may bring us so much joy and it is priceless. However, it can be an unhappy time for many others.
It would be remiss of me to not recognize that there are many that are alone, sad and lonely during this treasurable time of the year. Family togetherness for various reasons is not available for them, pleasurable memories are not being made, or they may be suffering a severe loss and are distraught. People are hurting and even more so during this time of the year; you yourself may be hurting as you read this. God has created us to be interdependent. We need people and people need us. So wherever you are in this season, how can you reach out and love on others, especially those that are alone or lonely? How can you enrich others by reaching out and lifting their spirits? Someone may need your relationship more than ever this holiday season.
On the other side of this spectrum, if you find that you are the one that is heavy-laden and downcast during the holiday seasons, what adjustments can you make that would benefit you with a meaningful and purposeful impact on yourself and others? When we serve others, we can start to gain a greater appreciation of how many blessings we have in our own life. That can increase our gratitude. Take a moment to think about different people, from family, community, co-workers and neighbors. Think about people that might have a recent life event that might have left them feeling isolated. What can you do? How can you make a difference? How can you help and inspire them while being inspired by them during this holiday season? Do something nice that would help lift your spirit and theirs.
Where are you in all of this? How are you feeling? What are your plans? What are you excited about? Who will you surround yourself with? What’s bringing you JOY? Or on the other hand, is this all overwhelming for you? Are you being challenged with loneliness? Are you gloomy and heartbroken this holiday season? How is sadness attempting to take up space in your heart and mind?
If you're among those fortunate enough to spend the holiday season with those you love, consider yourself very blessed. But please think about others who aren't as fortunate, it could happen to any of us, as we may not know the circumstances in someone’s life that led them to where they are today.
In the meantime Diamonds, enjoy your family, loved ones, and friend’s every day and even more during the blissful holidays, take nothing for granted. Reach out and touch someone else in a very special way and make a conscious and intentional decision to serve and help someone else, you’ll be helping yourself too in the process.
Best Wishes,
Tracy Diamond