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Holiday Feelings: Are They Merry or Stressful?

Posted by Teresa, Volunteer Mentor @hopeful33250, Dec 18, 2018

We are in the middle of a holiday season marked by twinkling lights, music, movies and sentiments that are supposed to bring joy and cheer. What if you don’t feel those sentiments right now? Is that OK?

Perhaps you have experienced difficulties, maybe health problems, loss of a job, or loss of a loved one. Maybe it is not possible to work-up the holiday cheer that everyone else experiences.

What do we do with the holidays if we are not feeling cheerful and upbeat?

Let's share together what you are doing with your less-than-merry holiday feelings.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Just Want to Talk Support Group.

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Jennifer, Volunteer Mentor | @jenniferhunter | Dec 20, 2018
In reply to @gingerw "@lioness We are here for you. This time of year by its nature already has stressors,..." + (show)
@gingerw

@lioness We are here for you. This time of year by its nature already has stressors, so that adds in a big way.
@jenniferhunter My dad would sometimes bring home single men, or family men traveling on business, from his job. Sometimes he had let my mother know with little notice. We found out later that as a young man they moved around a lot, and due to an ill mother, he rarely had a good home-cooked meal. He was determined to not have that happen to others.
Ginger

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@gingerw That's a nice story, Ginger. Reaching out to others is very meaningful and connects people. Thanks for sharing this.

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lioness | @lioness | Dec 20, 2018
In reply to @jenniferhunter "@lioness Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this! I also wanted to say that I'm glad you're..." + (show)
@jenniferhunter

@lioness Beautiful! Thank you for sharing this! I also wanted to say that I'm glad you're here and sharing the joy in your life. God bless.

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@jenniferhunter Thank you I'm glad to be here with such a wonderful group of ladies .

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Parus | @parus | Dec 20, 2018

I have noticed that if it were not for Christmas when people connect once a year...uh, not sure where this thought was going.

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deaconrest | @deaconrest | Dec 20, 2018

In the Old English “merry” meant less about merriment and more about courage and strength: “be of good courage.” As a young father trying to assemble those toys on Christmas Eve with confounding directions, being upbeat had to give way to determination and courage. In the depths of joy is much bedrock. There to be found, especially for those who may find sadnesses in all the hype, is a most beautiful “Yes.” Yes, it is good that we can share. Yes, it is good that I am here in the midst of a more deeply satisfying joy that confirms my presence in the universe. A Merry “Yes” to all.

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 20, 2018

I appreciate your sharing that definition of "merry", @deaconrest. You are right when you say, "In the depths of joy is much bedrock." have a feeling that there is some great bedrock in your life.
If you are comfortable doing so, will you share more of your story?

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 20, 2018
In reply to @parus "I have noticed that if it were not for Christmas when people connect once a year...uh,..." + (show)
@parus

I have noticed that if it were not for Christmas when people connect once a year...uh, not sure where this thought was going.

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That's OK, @parus. I think we can all finish that thought with our own experiences.
For me that means: "I can appreciate connection once a year and that it is better than none at all." Great reminder for me.
Can anyone else finish @parus thought with one of their own?

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Ginger, Volunteer Mentor | @gingerw | Dec 20, 2018
In reply to @hopeful33250 "That's OK, @parus. I think we can all finish that thought with our own experiences. For..." + (show)
@hopeful33250

That's OK, @parus. I think we can all finish that thought with our own experiences.
For me that means: "I can appreciate connection once a year and that it is better than none at all." Great reminder for me.
Can anyone else finish @parus thought with one of their own?

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@hopeful33250 @parus Several thoughts come to mind
-...we might not know they are still around
-...we might not realize there are people we want in our lives
Next?

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Teresa, Volunteer Mentor | @hopeful33250 | Dec 20, 2018
In reply to @gingerw "@hopeful33250 @parus Several thoughts come to mind -...we might not know they are still around -...we..." + (show)
@gingerw

@hopeful33250 @parus Several thoughts come to mind
-...we might not know they are still around
-...we might not realize there are people we want in our lives
Next?

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Great thoughts, @gingerw
Next?

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lioness | @lioness | Dec 20, 2018

@We can look to our past and remember the joy we had from others and realize it again.

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Parus | @parus | Dec 20, 2018
In reply to @gingerw "@hopeful33250 @parus Several thoughts come to mind -...we might not know they are still around -...we..." + (show)
@gingerw

@hopeful33250 @parus Several thoughts come to mind
-...we might not know they are still around
-...we might not realize there are people we want in our lives
Next?

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@gingerw The think I have noticed is those I no longer want in my life. I could no longer be their beast of burden. I feel better by having made these decisions and my absence was likely not noticed. I now help those that are appreciative and I still do my secret elf thing as it helps me to place a smile on another’s face when they find a goody to have with their morning cuppa and paper. My grandson is coming again tomorrow!!! A big smile on my face. I am grateful.

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