More Counseling Articles
Will and Strength
During the holidays we’re constantly thinking of others. But if you’ve experienced a big move, a job loss, a divorce or a death in the family, you must take some time to care for yourself. Loss and life changes are hard at any time of year. But they can be particularly tough during the holidays. If you find yourself struggling to face the demands of the season, give yourself some grace.
Seeing all the happy families in the mall or restaurants can feel like torture if you’ve just lost a loved one. But don’t let that keep you holed up in your house for months. If you’re not up to Christmas shopping, or if you really can’t afford it right now, that’s okay. But make an effort to keep some family traditions intact. Decorate your tree or watch a movie marathon… “It’s a Wonderful Life”. You may not feel enthusiastic about these activities now, but they can help bring back some much-needed cheer to your life.
When there are painful memories, as there can be at times, the tears will flow, and your heart may ache. You should surround yourself with family and friends and church family who love you most. These are the people who can sit back and listen or step in and help. So pick your support system carefully and allow yourself to lean on them during the holidays or most anytime you are going through something.
Having Faith
Through time, you’ll notice the pain has lessened, your wounds are closing and your heart is once again filled with warmth. When loss occurs it can take some time, but realize that most of it was selfishness from not wanting to let go. It’s almost like not forgiving someone for something. Haven’t you heard that if you do not forgive, it can fester in your soul and keep you weighed down with hurt, anger and pain? Well, when you don’t let go of your loss, it can have the same negative effect, thus, you are always in a low and lonely place.
Faith and strength have proven to be stronger than ever and you’ll have the desire to live, love and laugh again. Look forward to getting back to your life almost as you knew it at first, but in another realm. Your spirit is lighter and it was all accomplished through help from family, work mates and your church family. You have to look back over your journey and see how blessed you truly are to have such wonderful souls in your life in the first place. To realize the blessing of an imprint that has left an indelible print in your life that now puts a smile on your face as I look to the sky…is a blessing.
