Thinking on the holidays--- (long ramble be forewarned) I was reflecting on the holidays, friends I care about sometimes struggle, and a group im in has been supporting each other through the sometimes turbulent holiday season. A few people were commenting on struggling with feelings of emptiness and disappointment, even as they were enjoying family and friends-- This was my thinking on that struggle... Just wanted to put a different spin on this... I think- and it is just my opinion, that the emptiness is a part of it all. After all, cultures around the world mark this time of year as ending of one year, darkening of the winter season, passing of time, and celebrating the present and preparing for renewal and rebirth. For those in colder climes I think it is more obvious but for all of us this is the time when the nights are long and the sparkling lights and candles are lit against the darkness. I think a feeling of happiness mixed with emptiness or some sadness is a part of the season. Not to be avoided but to be quietly breathed in. The pauses in the swirl of the season. So there is nothing wrong at all- I think when we were children or when we are celebrating with small children the pauses are cloaked in the wonder and endlessness of childhood spirit and as we change and grown older we feel the pauses more and that is also natural, a part of the joy and wonder of the season in a different way. Breathe it in. Joy and Peace, darkness and light, song and silence, merriment and melancholy. I think I embraced this as a family story early on. My grandmothers mother passed away on Christmas eve long before I was born, And my grandmother passed away over christmas about 20+ years ago, they loved the holiday season and so we alway remember them with happiness and sadness at the same time we are celebrating. Made the story of the season a bit different for us. I dont have all the answers of course and have my own money struggles and guilt stories of the holidays but I do think that I embrace the empty parts and feel the joy around me not in spite of them but because of them.
Posted on: Thu, 25 Dec 2014 23:50:13 +0000
Recently Viewed Topics
© 2015