If we had been living in total isolation avoiding all forms of media for the last year, we might have missed the tales of gloom which are assailing us from every corner. There is absolutely no doubt that the reality is every bit as challenging as we are being told. None of us is unaffected by the rising energy and interest rate costs and we are all feeling challenged by how much less we can buy for the money we work so hard to earn. The furthest thing from most of our minds, against this backdrop of ‘lack’ and anxiety, is probably going to be celebrating Christmas and buying stacks of presents and food that we can ill afford.
If we were to believe those glossy adverts representing beautiful and immaculate homes dripping in glitter and shine, we could fool ourselves into thinking that absolutely everyone else is entertaining glamorous gatherings wearing sequins, stilettos and full make up. Judging our lives and our realities against those glimpses into how we think others are living can only lead to discontent and a feeling that we don’t measure up to this dream. If the last few years have taught us anything it must surely be that what is important to us is the thing we should focus on and, where possible, we should avoid doing lots of things that we don’t want to do. I’m not suggesting that our families and friends are trying to make us do things we don’t enjoy, I am just suggesting that we pay attention to our own feelings and say yes to the things that make us happy and no to the things that don’t. Christmas can be tough for so many different reasons. It could be finances, strained family relationships or the loss of a loved one and sometimes we just don’t feel like it. Decking our own halls in whatever level of glitter we want to, even if it’s just a strand of tinsel wrapped around a plant pot, can be more than enough to add some festive cheer. Isn’t it time we decided how we want to spend the festive season? Whether that is prioritising seeing our very nearest and dearest or just treating ourselves to favourite food in front of the television and seeing no one at all. Let’s make this the year we take the pressure off ourselves and start doing what makes us happy. If you are dreading the festive season and already starting to find it overwhelming. Seeking some help and talking things through can make all the difference. |
Francine Orr
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