With all the hustle and bustle, merrymaking and cheer, I can't help but remember that this season can be such a bittersweet time for many of us. As time marches on, most of us are touched with loss, heartbreak and bittersweet memories, made more pronounced by all the 'Joy to the World' surrounding us. There are loved ones we have lost-through death or distance- lost loves, lost lives, lost homes, lost pets....the broken hearts and dashed hopes of living life. I know............... it's not cheery, but it's real.
I know my own holidays of years passed have included a divorce, 2 miscarriages and the loss of my dear dad nearly 4 years ago. Nothing like spending a holiday season in the hospital with a loved one who has just received a sudden terminal diagnosis, to break your heart into a million pieces. I remember getting coffee at Starbucks, on a brief break from the hospital that Christmas. I was stunned at how life beyond the hospital could be moving on, so merrily, while my family was in complete crisis and heartbreak, praying for a miracle. That said, there is nothing like a crisis in your life to build compassion for others who may be going through a heartbreak this season.
If you, like me, find yourself having those painful or bittersweet moments during the holidays please remember:
Take care of yourself....
.......whether it's a special treat, a warm bath, a massage, a brisk walk in the chill air.
Reach out-to the open arms of friends and family who care. If family is far away, create your own kind of family this season with new traditions (I dare you to cry during the movie 'A Christmas Story'!).
Reach out-to someone else who is lonely or in need. Doing something good for someone is always my best 'feel good' advice.
As dark as times may be right now, there will be brighter, more peaceful days ahead. If you are feeling discouraged and lonely, you never know what can happen 'around the next corner' to change everything about the way you are feeling. Looking towards adventure is always a way to keep us focused on the next chapter. *Have hope~in yourself, in life and in your future.
*I know this for a fact.....my most recent "have hope" story happens to be about finding true love...at 82 years of age. I mean it~anything can happen~anytime-so never, ever give up hope for fabulous curve ball in your future.
(*More on that story in the near future)
If you happen to see a crazy driver or a person dabbing away a tear at your local coffee house, be patient,
this time of year can be bittersweet for so many.......
Be of good cheer,
Shop the Stylemindchic Boutique for Christmas!
8 comments:
you have hit the nail on the head on so many levels with this post, Heather!! Thank you for such beautiful pictures to remind us all of the beauty in the world...and to remind all to take time to experience all the goodness and sorrows of life. love to you, my friend!!!
Heather
Thank you for reminding us of what is really important this time of year! Sometimes we get caught up in the festivities and forget to stop and think! Have a fabulous time in Paris!
Thank you Val! Coming from you, my dear friend, colleague and a professional therapist, that means so much. I know you understand my sentiments. Thanks for checking in. I always love it when you stop by Stylemindchic.
xx, Heather
Hi Cindy,
I guess it's the psychologist in me, but sometimes I have to focus on that balance in life.
I'm so glad you understand. On the other hand, your gorgeous photos of your holiday decor are an inspiration to me. What a talent! I am excited about our trip-thank you
and merci! ;)
Cheers, xx Heather
Great post. Thanks for thinking of all those who aren't so merry right now..I like your positive thoughts too.
xo
Kim
Thanks Kim! There are so many who are struggling this season I wanted to show support in some way. It is so true about how life can take a positive turn around the next corner! ;). Love it when you stop by!
Cheers, xx Heather
Oh, Heather, thank you for prompting me so that I wouldn't miss this beautifully warm and compassionate post! Wow, hit me right in the heart! Touched on many many things going on in my heart, as well, as my life, and with what I am working to do about all of it! When you describe the events in life that you have dealt with, I feel a bond (even though it's cyber). I can feel all the emotion that surrounded your life with each heart wrenching event, along with what it did to prepare you for the next phase of life. I appreciate you and your heart! Thank you for this post! I really needed it!! xoxo
Shelly, bless your sweet heart...it means so much to me to know that my words, thoughts and/or experiences can encourage others. I did have you, as well as a couple of other friends, on my mind when I wrote this post. It had to be said..... The holidays can be such a mix for some of us and if you are experiencing additional challenges in life, it can feel downright brutal during this season. In your inspired blogging and thoughtful comments over the last number of months I already know that you have deep faith, Shelly. I am also wishing for you strength, peace, clarity and hope to go along with it. You are walking through a valley right now but I am absolutely certain things will look brighter soon. In the mean time....thinking of you, my sweet friend (cyber soul mate:)
xx, Heather
Post a Comment