True Christmas spirit
Someone told me this story once a long time ago and it has stuck with me ever since:
A man is walking down a street when he falls in a hole. The walls are so steep he cannot get out.
A lawyer passes by and the man shouts up, “Hey you! Can you help me out?” The lawyer writes a contract, throws it down in the hole, and moves on.
Then a politician comes along and the man shouts up, “I’m down in this hole. Can you help me out?” The politician writes out a speech, throws it down in the hole, and moves on.
Then a friend walks by. “Hey, it’s me,” the man calls out. “Can you help?” Then the friend jumps in the hole. The man says, “Are you stupid? Now we’re both down here.”
The friend says, “Yeah, but I’ve been down here before … and I know the way out.”
Life has many, many challenges. Some we are prepared for and some we never see coming. The challenges we face in life can derail us in some form or fashion. It is always helpful to have someone who has been through the challenge to help guide you.
The holidays can present a multitude of difficulties. Maybe the troubles are financial, medical or emotional. In this crazy year, perhaps you are facing battles on multiple fronts.
Stresses can build up and make us feel lost and out of control. The “cheer” that is displayed during this season can become an unrealistic standard we set for ourselves. Not only are we dealing with the turbulence in our lives but we also feel like a lesser human being for not displaying the proper “Christmas joy.”
“Don’t be a Scrooge” is often demanded of folks during this time of year. Or we hear stuff like, “Where is your Christmas spirit?”
Not everyone loves the holidays. That is OK. You do not have to. You are not some weird, soulless Grinch for not rocking around the Christmas tree.
However, it is very important you know that if you are feeling depressed, lonely or afraid there is help. Turn to a friend or trusted family member and talk about how you feel.
If you are uncomfortable with that, I encourage you to reach out to mental health professionals for help. There are many, many options here in our community for you go get trained, qualified and confidential assistance. These professionals have been there before and can help you find the way out.
The holidays can be tough, but remember, so are you. Just because you are in a hole right now does not mean you will always be in this hole. There is no shame in asking for help.
The beauty of it is after you have found the way out you can jump back in and help someone else escape.
To me, that displays the true meaning of Christmas a lot more than eggnog and tinsel.