The question is…. “Why”?

What is the best answer to the question…” why”?

Reflecting on this past year and thinking about the past 12 months and how l personally dealt with it… l keep coming back to one question which is …WHY did l do that? The proverbial word of why did l do that? Why did l go there? Why did l believe in that person and so it goes on and on.

Have you ever asked the question “what is my purpose?”

Think for a minute about starting a business or a relationship. Whenever you decided to start a company or a relationship you first have to answer the question “why?” Why does this company need to exist? What is it’s purpose? This question and possible answers provides the basis for moving forward and trying to get a sense of why you will do this. I may be generalizing, but l have questioned a great many things that l did this past year. And upon reflection, l should not have done half the things that were done by me.

Maybe because its this time of the year but so far in my life i have never felt as negative and down on what l did as l am today writing this story. Has COVID-19 and its associated strains put a damper on things?

Many people assume that the pretty lights, cheerful music, and tv commercials showing happy families exchanging gifts make everyone’s hearts light up thinking about the holidays. The truth is that not everyone shares those feelings. Instead, the holidays can bring a sense of dread. What’s more challenging is that one must hide this sense of anxiety, sadness, or fear so not to get those around them down. Let’s be clear, feeling sad about the holidays should not be attributed to having a mental illness such as depression and anxiety. Instead, there are various reasons people can feel down during this time of year.

During these times stress from financial strain, relationship problems, separation or divorce, job loss, physical or mental illness, facing those who caused you childhood trauma, family members with active addictions, and strained relationships with extended family members.

The public health crisis caused by COVID-19 and other strains has added additional stressors for everyone. Whether you have a loved one in long term care who you cannot visit, an income loss, strained relationships from a loss of work-life balance or cannot have all of your family with you due to government restrictions on gatherings – all of us will be making sacrifices this holiday sessions. It would be fair to say that this holiday season will look different for so many worldwide, for this reason, taking care of your mental health has become more urgent than ever.

Throughout the history of mankind, great thinkers and the common man have all pondered the same questions. Why should you be any different? Start a philosophical discussion with a friend or colleague and see where your thoughts take you. Be prepared for an exploration of the minds. The reason l bring this up is that everyone looks at life differently just like looking at a piece of art, where everyone has a different interpretation of what they see on the canvas.

With Christmas upon us and reflecting back l need to be positive and be grateful for what l have, l need to thank God for everyday that l have lived for myself and my loved ones.

Having said thIs, l have been all over the map with my emotions, and you may have as well in your life. Christmas is not what it once get but we need to be grateful for everything that we have. The effects of the year bring a long-lasting will and a lot of sadness. Depression or the blues has tremendous affects on our society and has long lasting effects if we do not deal with those dark thoughts. The holiday season often brings unwWelcome guests – stress and depression. And it’s no wonder…the holidays often present a dizzying array of demands.

Cooking meals, shopping, baking, cleaning and entertaining, to name a few. And with COVID-19 spreading along with the omicron virus, if you feel lonely during this time, seek out community, religious or other social events or communities. It may also help to speak with a friend or family member about your concerns. Try reaching out with a note or text someone; try excellent and stay connected the best you can during these times.

The holidays don’t have to be perfect as the previous years. As families change and grow, traditions and rituals often change as a few to hold on to and create new ones. Try to accept family members and friends as they are, even if they don’t live up to all of your expectations. Set aside grievances until a more appropriate time for discussion. And be understanding if others get upset or distressed when something goes awry. Chances are they’re feeling the effects of holiday stress and depression.

Take control of the holidays

Don’t let the holidays become something you dread. Instead, take steps to prevent the stress and depression that can descend during the holidays. Learn to recognize your holiday triggers, such as financial pressures or personal demands, so you can combat them before they lead to a meltdown. With a little planning and some positive thinking, you can find peace and joy during the holidays.

Healthy holiday & God Bless.

Vincent Black/MS