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From The Positive Perspective.......
Challenge: First holiday season without a loved one who has passed on.
Suggestion: Celebrate the positive memories with that individual. Depending on your beliefs, you may feel as though that individual is no longer in pain, and that could give you some comfort. Carry on a tradition that this individual would have liked to see continue, but do it in your own way. It's OK to be sad that your loved one is no longer with you, but you will always have them in your heart and your memories.
Challenge: Being away from family during the holidays.
Suggestion: Be sure to schedule some time to Skype or connect with family members if you can. If you are unable do it on the actual holiday, possibly another time during this season would work. Make a conscious effort to reach out to those who are important to you. You will be glad you did. Be sure to also keep yourself busy during that holiday, either with friends or volunteering with one of the many community organizations that could use your help.
Challenge: My depression is keeping me from wanting to interact with people around me.
Suggestion: Know that you have a choice how you respond. Seek some help to figure out the origin of the depression from a professional or someone you respect religiously and work to control the things you can and learn to let go of the things you can't. Take the first step to admit that you want to feel better and you want to understand the root of these feelings. That is the hardest part, just knowing that things are not the way you want them to be and seeking guidance in changing that scenario.
Challenge: I feel judged during the holidays because of my financial status and how I contribute.
Suggestion: As we have heard before, it's not the gift that counts; it's the thought behind it. When you look back at some of the amazing gifts that you have received over the years, which ones come to mind? Not having the financial means to order everything on line and have it shipped to you can give you the opportunity to be creative. Being creative does not have to cost a lot of money, but it will take you some time. Bake someone their favorite cookies for a gift; use your talents - if you are an artist, buy a small canvas and paint a loved one something unique for them; make a collage of photos of you with that someone special; create a day that is planned for just you and that special person to do some fun things you know they like; create a CD of special music you know the person likes; the sky is the limit. Just take some time to think of what would make them feel loved and DO IT!! I like the idea of creating coupon books as well for things like a back rub, cooking dinner, babysitting for a younger sibling or a couple with a newborn so they can go out for a date. Would love to hear what ideas you create.
I hope I have given you thought-provoking ideas of how to combat some challenges of the holidays. I know there are many others as well during this time of year and if I can be of help to you or someone you know in working them out, please give me a call. I look forward to hearing from you as to how you overcame your holiday challenges.
As always, thank you for looking at the topic of holiday challenges..........From The Positive Perspective.
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