It’s that time of year again. The time of year when my mind and the voice inside my mind create more tumult than a pile of autumn leaves in a windstorm. It’s the time of year where I have to focus, really focus, on positive thinking. If I don’t, the voice inside my head can take over. It can drag me down a vortex that is extremely difficult to reverse.
Why this time of year? The falling leaves, the falling temperatures, the shorter days, the longer nights, the holidays, the possibility of catching a cold or the flu or even chapped lips. It’s that depressing, frustrating feeling that the cold wind always seem to be in your face when you’re walking the dog.
Recently, close relatives have been faced with significant illnesses. Staying positive is even more critical when dealing with illness. A person facing the harsh reality of an illness or physical limitation has to focus on things that will put them in a better frame of mind. So much easier said then done when it is not you facing a health challenge. But time and time again I’ve seen people rise above their difficulties to achieve a goal or beat an illness with the help of a positive approach.
Trying to stay positive this time of year is also challenging because of the pressure many people put on themselves. Whether it is the pressure to get holiday cards in the mail, hosting a gathering, or buying the perfect Christmas gift for a friend or family member, the pressure can build like the scalding oil in a turkey fryer.
My daughter was feeling that heat just the other day. She felt like she was running out of time and lacking in creative ideas. To reduce the pressure, we sat down and discussed her thoughts, put things in the proper perspective and prioritized what she was facing. Within 24 hours the pot was no longer boiling and she was ready to face the future.
I know it’s not always that simple. But telling your mind to slow down or stop is the first step. Then taking a moment to re-evaluate the importance and significance of what challenges you may be facing is the next step. It will take your mind out of the downward spiral that can bring both mind and body crashing down. It will make you feel like the wind is actually at your back helping to carry you along.
This time of year can be a lonely time for single people, the elderly, shut-ins and people who cannot be with their loved ones. But it can also be lonely for just about anyone else who is coping with depression, anxiety, financial or health issues. Reaching out to those who you know are lonely or others who you feel are faced with challenges will likely be the best gift you can give this holiday season. The gift of your time, your compassion and your caring way will make a profound and lasting difference in that person’s life. You will be like the wind at their back helping to carry them through a difficult time.
Happy and Healthy Holidays…..