Stabroek News

Let’s just be honest

- Helpline

Maybe you are tired of hearing it by now, but Happy New Year! I spent mine watching fireworks and trying not to be too alarmed by the noise (which is actually easier said than done if you are in the middle of all the ruckus).

Looking back at the season, I didn’t even give myself the chance to reflect as I spent the whole holiday period preparing food and anxiously waiting for my husband to come home to spend Christmas and New Year. He made it home on both days thankfully, but it goes without saying I have no New Year resolution­s. I’m not sure if I am even fond of the concept. I think it dampens the energy when it comes finding the right time to do something you’ve been longing to do. Why wait until a new year to improve yourself or to let go of old habits?

Instead of using the phrase new year resolution, I prefer the word progressio­n. It takes the mental strain of total immediate change away. It makes the process less burdensome as in most cases, this is how it feels as a consumer.

With my husband constantly away, I was tasked with the gift buying for everyone. A burdensome and stressful job and I can only imagine the stress it is for other members of the family. While I know Christmas is the season for giving, it felt like capitalism on steroids this season. The “extra-ness” of the season now with tossed wrapping papers, bows and cards lying around made me reflect on the authentici­ty of our giving.

The emphasis on material giving and consumptio­n distracts from core values, because now our consumptio­n patterns have become more complex. It’s a season that reminds me very much of fashion. There is no doubt that we overly partake in this charade that is Christmas because of social media. It can be seen in the way we wrap our gifts, decorate our trees and everything else. I spent a good day mentally debating if I should get a real pine tree or a fluffy one commonly seen on Instagram’s popular feed with fake snow all over it. I bought the pine tree, but I constantly felt regret for not getting the latter because everyone had it. Then I realised I was not putting what I genuinely like first, for the sake of being liked by everyone else.

This is the sickening approach in fashion and personal style that has become routine behaviour. A behaviour that aims to defy individual identity and make monotonous attitudes towards fashion and style seem in vogue.

For 2019, I hope we all aim to be honest with ourselves in the most holistic manner. Be honest about the toxic relationsh­ips you entertain, be honest about your desires and be honest about your identity and personal flair. Honesty should be the backbone on how we all try to live. It lays the foundation for constant progressio­n and not just momentary change. http://instagram.com/theon linerunway Dah mouth dat man tek fuh court woman, ah de same mouth he ah tek an put she ah door. Who is this? Why is Ignatius’s car parked outside Coretta’s house early in the morning? Sis. Patsy investigat­es. Unique enlists Denzil as Youth Activist in her efforts to build the capacity of the Youth of Merundoi. Will he accept? Shelly receives news that can cause serious repercussi­on. Sonny discusses with Ignatius his new role of Village Chairman. Will he be able to manage the Council Affairs?

Ignatius discloses his intimate secrets with Sonny, while Denzil admits to Aunty Myrtle how he really feels about Unique.

What is the reason for Alexis’s strange behaviour and does Malachi have a secret life?

Don’t miss this week’s episode! You can also listen on www.merundoi.org

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 ??  ?? The Counselors/Social Workers NetworkFOR COUNSELLIN­G ON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES INCLUDING SUICIDECAL­L: 231-2588, 623-4444, 600-7896, 223-0818, 223-0001/9
The Counselors/Social Workers NetworkFOR COUNSELLIN­G ON MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES INCLUDING SUICIDECAL­L: 231-2588, 623-4444, 600-7896, 223-0818, 223-0001/9
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