This time of the year is one of my favorites. The winter season brings colder temperatures, possible rain or snow. The holidays we celebrate that bring our families and friends closer. Then there are all of the lights and smells of the season. Lights on the houses as we drive by, scenes of merriment. Smells of cocoa and cider with a touch of peppermint. Winter has always been one of my favorite times of the year. But there are so many people in the world that find this time to be one of the hardest.
Harsh of winter
Seasonal depression is more common than many want to believe. In the spring, summer, and even the fall times, we are able to get outside to exercise, socialize, and just enjoy the sunshine. Winter comes in with harsh climate, added stress, and the reminder, for some, of not having a loved one nearby. With the winter holidays all about families and friends, the constant indication of being alone bears a hit on our mental health. The feeling of pity and burden is a heavy weight to hold.
Lonely time
Every year, during this time, we hear about reaching out to those we have not heard from in a long time, just to say hi and let them know they are thought of. But is it enough? I have family across the country and a few scattered in between. I have lost touch with most of my friends over the years. Even with everything I have going on in my life, I have no idea what they have going on in theirs. As a matter of fact, I don’t talk to some of my immediate family except for maybe once every 4 months or so. Are they okay? Are they happy? Or are they struggling to get out of bed every day?
Added Stress
We each have our own challenges in life. Weights that we carry on our shoulders every day. Taking care of family, maintaining jobs, trying to finish schooling, or just trying to be physically healthier. So, when I ask that we take a minute to reach out to that family member we haven’t spoken to in years, or write to a friend that we miss, it almost seems impossible. Where are we going to find the time to do all of this? Easy. You can make a phone call on the drive to work or on the way home. The 5 minutes to write an email or the 2 minutes it takes to send a text message is about what it takes to read this blog.
Letting it go
Here is the hardest part. If that family member or friend once hurt you, maybe it is time to let that grudge go. Holding onto the memory of the action and pain you felt at that time does not help you in any way. All it does is add to the weight you carry. Do you need to forgive? Not necessarily. Would it help? Absolutely. Because the event was in the past. And you cannot change the past. All you can do is change yourself to be better than yesterday. Holding onto the anger, the hurt, and the pain only blocks you from seeing and feeling the happiness, the love, and the comfort that life has.
Make it fun
Winter is a time of friends and family. This includes those we have not spoken to in a long time. Taking a step to lighten our own lives by releasing the weighted anger of the past will make this time of year even better. Longer nights, colder weather, and the constant reminder of loss and hurt in life, test us daily. Winter is a joyous time of year. Release the weight and offer a lifeline. You may be surprised to find the love and happiness you have been looking for.
With great warmth,
