It seems that you turn around and before you know it, it’s time for the Holidays again. For many this is always a joyous occasion, however, for others it’s a dreaded and depressing time.
Memories of loved ones passing, or relationships ending, occur to some people’s lives around the Holidays and then, depression sets in. The idea of participating in festivities when sadness overwhelms you is stressful and debilitating.
Instead of avoiding these seasonal moments, with friends and family, commit to dealing with your emotions and placing them in their proper places. There is a time for mourning and it is healthy to do so. The secret is to know when to begin placing those
depressed feelings behind you so that you can continue forward with your life.
This does not mean that you are erasing the memories of your loved ones - it is a process of selecting when and where to relive those memories. It’s alright to remember when you spent time with them during the Holidays but then keep in mind that they would want you to continue enjoying the Holidays even without them. Love and Life are funny that way. Though life ends for some, it continues for others and those that continue, need to progress forward.
If you are invited to a Holiday party, that morning take a moment and remember your loved ones that are no longer with you. Share your thoughts with them on how you feel and how much you miss them. After a limited time of reconnection, bid them goodbye for now, bless them, make peace with them and place them back to the past in your mind. Refresh yourself, in your most comforting way, and begin to feel renewed. Begin to anticipate the creation of a new Holiday memory with your present loved ones.
When the day is done and you return home, if you wish, you can reopen the connection to your memories of your past loves ones and once again enjoy those memories. The added plus is that, now, you have new memories that you can enjoy also. You can continue using this method all through the Holiday seasons and you’ll find that the burden of depression eventually is lifted and replaced with joy.
Many of you are probably thinking that it’s not as simple as that. What do I do with the pain and sorrow these memories bring? A point to remember is that, whether you want to believe it or not, you are the master of your emotions.You decide whether you are going to allow depression to enter your life or not. Depression is not a separate entity that enters your body when you’re not looking. Depression is created by the mind through reactions and emotions. Make the effort to stabilize your emotions, reactions and feelings. It is not going to fix itself without your help.
Don’t allow each new day to pass you by without some form of happiness. As the saying goes,” The ‘Present’ is a gift from God.”
Enjoy your time here on Earth and help others to enjoy their lives also. Maybe if we all practice this way of thinking it might, eventually, make the world a better place for everyone.
photo credit: ikophotos
