HOLIDAY MEMORIES—A MISSION
by Carol Hall
John 14:18—“No. I will not abandon you as orphans—I will come to you.
Website: God's Rose
Do you have any special holiday memories? Of course—we all do. However, as we grow up, move away, or we no longer have the perks of childhood free from adult responsibilities—we revert back to past memories. Some parents will deal with the empty nest syndrome while others will deal with the struggles of becoming a single parent. And many people will grow older without friends and/or spouses who have passed on. These are all the in-between stages of our lives when life just seems to stand still—and we don’t know what to do with ourselves. This is when depression and loneliness can easily set it—because we feel like the best years of our lives are behind us, and the memories are all we have—whether we want them or not. Can you relate to this? I sure can.
And sometimes, sad/regretful or even happy memories from our past can come up at unexpected AND inconvenient moments—like seasons that remind us of a special vacation or activity we experienced with a spouse, special friend or loved one no longer in our lives. Or, how about when a love song plays on the radio reminding us of that first dance—first kiss—lost love—or another special moment or person from long ago? Even a warm crackling fire can conjure up memories we haven’t thought of in years! And, the sight of a couple holding hands can make our hearts feel lonely. Oh! And, what’s up with this? Someone walks by, and you catch a whiff of their cologne, and it reminds you of a past relationship who wore that cologne or who gave YOU that cologne—and WHEN! Freaky—isn’t it?! Where’s my memory when I am trying to recall where I placed my keys?!
Is it any surprise that people become depressed during the holidays! But, do you know what? I’m deciding to make some new memories. How about you?
Youth doesn’t have to fade. Besides, I hear that we return to it eventually anyway, so if we hurry we can make some new memories The first thing we need to do is STOP saying, “When I lose weight, I’m going to …” or “When I find that special mate, I’m going to …” or “When I get out of debt, I’m going to …,” or “When the kids grow up, I’m going to …,” or “When I retire, I’m going to …,” etc., etc. If we WAIT too long, before we know it our lives are over. So, who’s with me for making new memories?!
My mission this holiday season is to recruit as many of YOU as possible to help me stamp out depression and loneliness—one life at a time. After all, we can’t stop the holidays from coming, so we MUST face them head on. But, we don’t have to do it alone. Will you join me?!
Here are some fresh and exciting ideas that can be life-transforming!
Pull out that good silverware you’ve been saving for A SPECIAL DAY, and use it! If you are the only person at home, set a table for one special person—YOU!
Take out those embroidered hand towels you’ve been saving for company—and treat YOURSELF!
Pamper YOURSELF by lighting those special candles you’ve been saving for a romantic evening—romance YOURSELF.
Treat YOURSELF to a relaxing bubble bath and some special lingerie—YOU are worth it!
Find YOURSELF a new favorite song for the new YOU in your life!
Take that special cruise or vacation you’ve been dreaming of—even if you go alone—enjoy YOUR OWN company! It’s time to change your mindset.
Take a visit to the mall every day at lunch just to try a new cologne until you find the perfect fragrance for YOU—then buy it and ENJOY!!
Try on a new hat, gloves, scarf, or furry socks!
Get a manicure or pedicure—both men and women!
Treat yourself to a steak dinner!
Go for a walk in the park, at the mall, or absorb some healing rays of sunlight while eating lunch at a peaceful lake or pond.
Plan a home movie night complete with a carpet picnic—even if it’s for one—YOU!
For those of you who are like me and have to save up for special purchases or outings, make the necessary sacrifices by putting away a dollar here and there, or even tossing your spare change in a jar. YOUR worth it!!
It’s time for a change, friends! But be prepared, because people who are used to seeing you do without are going to stand up and take notice once you start pampering yourself. You may even catch some sarcastic tones or jealous looks—but just hold your head up, and flash them a gorgeous smile showing off those freshly whitened teeth, that new shade of lip gloss, or that new hair cut! Ha! Empower YOURSELF!! Are we in agreement? If so, let me hear ya!
Would you like to do something worthwhile outside your home? Bake a cake for someone. Try volunteering at your favorite charity, or visit a nursing home. Take in a movie—even if no one else can go with you—and munch happily on some yummy theater popcorn. Get all dressed to the 9’s, and take in a play. If people look at you, don’t feel self-conscious and think they’re thinking, “Awe. That person is all alone.” Uh-uh. They’re PROBABLY thinking, “I wish I had the confidence to do things alone without feeling self-conscious.”
Now, last but not least—LIGHT A CANDLE! Take out that pre-lit Christmas tree, or purchase a live one. Call a friend and invite him or her over. Put on YOUR favorite Christmas music, and decorate your home—even if you’re the only one there to see it! It’s YOUR holiday, too! And remember, we’re making NEW traditions and holiday memories—so, ENJOY!
MY MISSION IS ACCOMPLISHED!! Oh! And, don’t worry. These instructions will NOT self-destruct in 5—4—3—2—1 seconds. Nope. But your old mindsets MIGHT!!
Enjoy the gift of YOUR life! And, remember to keep “Christ” in CHRISTMAS.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
OTHER ARTICLES:
Judas By Another Name
Can You See The Big Blue Elephant
Bill's Song of Victory
Battered, Scarred and Shamed
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