I know that
the holidays can be a stressful time (who doesn’t?), and that many people are
sad about lost loved ones, difficult life situations, and the many very hard
bumps in our “life” roads.
The other
day, I listened to someone commenting that she hates holidays in general –
something about a bad extended family situation, rampant consumerism, loss of
the real reason for the season, and other difficult things.
Plus,
there’s so much bad going on in the world all the time, how can we justify
experiencing joy when others aren’t?
 |
| My whole extended family created ridiculous ugly sweaters this year! |
Yeah, I
understand that these are all valid points, and everyone is entitled to their
feelings. But I choose to overlook all the bad stuff and just be happy. This is
my general attitude towards life, not just during the holiday season. I’m
fairly annoying to the chronically pessimistic.
But it’s
especially true now. What do I have to complain about that everyone else
doesn’t experience, too? Life is a roller coaster; sometimes you’re up, sometimes
you’re down. At my age, I know there’s going to be time spent down. But I also
know that if I hold on and scream a little, we’ll go back up the hill again.
I’m
unapologetic; this is just a happy time! My kids are going to be home for
Christmas. I’m able to put a turkey on the table, and gifts under the tree. We
have a roof, heat, books to read, coffee to drink, each other. There are three books coming out this winter
I’m anticipating eagerly. I’m taking a cruise this
winter! There’s so much to look forward to!
I honestly
believe happiness is a choice. I don’t live in a mental Shangri-La, but I don’t
choose to be down in the dumps about the road bumps, either. There’s good stuff
ahead; why not deal with the hard, while looking forward to the good?
Sometimes I
get sad over things, of course. But I have faith that everything will be okay
on balance. I hope this column doesn’t make you want to smack me for it, but
rather makes you think, huh. I can choose to be happy, too.
God bless
you, every one! And may you have a joyful and plentiful, and happy Christmas
and New Year!
