Remember To Reach Out This Holiday Season

The holidays have been different these past two years. We are normally accustomed to planning big get-togethers, buying many gifts, preparing lots of food and finally gathering with family and friends. In the past, these gatherings were a given, whenever feasible, and both small and large get-togethers were marked with fun, laughter, music, food and festivities.

But a global pandemic has been curtailing our carefully laid plans and we had to be to be innovative to stay connected with our loved ones. Some people live in areas with very little impact. Others are in hot spots. Regardless of your own current situation, it is important to include people safely, to whatever level you can under the circumstances.

Please remember to touch a few lonely hearts this time of year, even if it is just by way of a quick phone call or text message. If there are people you know who live alone or are unable to join their usual groups to celebrate, do whatever you can to reach out to them and make them feel included in the celebrations. Connect virtually, send a parcel or invite them to a future event to look forward to.

Extend your reach to those less fortunate as well. This time of year can be particularly difficult for those in need.  Contribute to a charity, or reach out to a volunteer group and offer your services. A willing pair of helping hands is always appreciated.

Amid all the chaos and excitement of the season, also take some time to be good to yourself. We tend to run ourselves ragged, while it just isn’t possible to keep going at maximum speed without a well-deserved break. It is important to remember that we cannot give what we ourselves do not have. Your career or business will always be there. Recharge your batteries so you will be rested, confident, and energized to help others.

The joy of brightening other lives, bearing each others’ burdens, easing other’s loads and supplanting empty hearts and lives with generous gifts becomes for us the magic of Christmas ~ W. C. Jones

Take some ‘me time,’ whatever that is for you. Take a walk in a nearby park, or get a massage, read a good book, take a bubble bath, book a weekend escape or explore a new spiritual practice. Take time to make yourself a priority.

If you find yourself on the other end of the spectrum, feeling lonely at this time of year and needing some support or assistance, do not hesitate to ask for help. Sometimes we can feel alone in a crowd, surrounded by people who are ultra-energized by all the excitement. Such a scenario can make things seem even worse.

Whether you just need someone to talk to or perhaps more professional help, you are important and you deserve to be heard. Reach out to family, friends or professionals in your community. Do not suffer through the season alone feeling isolated or forgotten.

Regardless of how you celebrate the holiday season, find a reason to be grateful, stay well and be safe.