@maryjacy asked me to participate along in a contest about "What have you done this christmas" (Her cool post is over here). And since I haven't done anything out of what I ordinarily do, and can't compete with an answer like "I didn't do anything", because that would be boring, so I decided to opt-out.
That question, however, reminded me of an answer I recieved when I asked a friend of mine that same question, "What are you doing this Christmas?". I received an answer which normally people wouldn't expect on such a joyful occasion, and it gave me the idea about this thoughtful post, so here's his answer:
Sitting alone in bed, under the blankets, because no heat source otherwise in this freezing weather. In a pitch-black room, because no power left in the drained 12v battery to power-up half an amp of an LED light, or even the router that connects to what seems like a living world outside.
Sipping some cold coffee while writing this on what little power a phone battery still have, off-line, hoping to get a glimpse of electricity for an hour or two today so the batteries may recharge a bit, and can get back online again to what little life I might have left.
Merry Christmas to you too!
~ A Friend
Now, this might be an extreme and peculiar situation. He isn't living off-grid, and not in a secluded area or a distant countryside, as you might think, but in the heart of the oldest capital city in the world.
Maybe just too old for its own good? 🤷♂️
A typical day for him, nothing new, not since they "won" the war five or so years ago, as their government insists!
Oh, well. Though this guy seems to me normal, joyful, and positive most of the time, he throws in some odd stories from time to time, and he's probably crazy anyways.
I'm just glad we all, or most of us atleast, are far from such an uncanny situation, and hopefully no-one ever experiences what that guy might be going through.
It makes me think and reflect, nontheless. Every Christmas or holiday that has come, year after year since ever, makes me have some mixed feelings.
Happy on one hand, when I see the joy and the loving spirit it brings with it to so many people around the world, but a little sad and depressed on the other hand when I know how some others are going through it, or are completely excluded for whatever reasons sometimes.
The "holiday blues" or "winter blues", as it's commonly referred to, not a recognized psychiatric condition in the DSM (A manual for the diagnosis of mental health issues used by clinicians). But it's a real thing many people have to contend with a lot of times, and it's much more common than we think, as up to 20 percent of Americans experience a mild version of SAD.
While its causes and symptoms may be varying from one person to another, the end result is the same, a persistent or reoccurring sadness throughout the holidays.
We don't have to be in a similar situation as the one my friend I quoted above is going through to have the blues, however. Simply going through a difficult time, being lonely, having financial troubles, or over stressing about life in general is sufficient to make it tough when we see others with extra joy in their lives.
Now, how does all what I've talked about connect together, you might ask?
Well, as a wise man once said:
"Appreciate what you HAVE and who you HAVE, before time makes you bemoan what you HAD, and who you HAD."
~ me
I've heard a lot of stories about wars and how people lose everything and sometimes everyone they love. And I'm sure, no realization can be greater than the one they get from such a traumatic experience about how they should've appreciated what they had and the people around them that they loved.
The only way to get over the blues and actually have fun and enjoy life, despite what we might be going through is appreciating what we have, and who we have.
Holidays are made for this, for families and friends to gather and to appreciate one another. And I'm not talking about fake gatherings and flashy parties, as those can be one of the reasons for the blues in first place. I'm talking about surrounding ourselves with those we truely love and enjoy their company.
Money and other problems in life come and go, stressing about them won't change anything, and most of our issues would simply disappear if we focus on what really matters instead.
As for loneliness. Just look around you, you're never alone, even if you have no family or friends to speak of, it's a state of mind of our own creation, friendly people are all around the world, and humans are really one big family after all.
My intention in this post was to serve as a reminder for everyone to appreciate what they have, and enjoy this journey we call life.
If it gives you lemons 🍋 sometimes, then what would be a better time for making some refreshing lemonade?
Celebrate what you can and what you want, when you can and how you want. Regardless of your religion and traditions, never feel excluded, because you're not.
I read a very touching paragraph in a thoughtful post by @thekittygirl few days ago, in her post she was suggesting how to make the winter holidays more inclusive to all the people all over the world, transcending their countries, religions, ethnicity, or race. A #wintermas as she calls it, and started a tag about it, years before I came here!
So I would love to end my post with her beautiful words, quoting from her post:
~ @thekittygirlFor those who see the light, I wish you cheer.
For those who feel the darkness, I wish you cheer.
For those who are lifting themselves, I wish you cheer.
For those who are waiting to be lifted, I wish you cheer.
Whatever your beliefs, whatever your path,
know that I wish you cheer... and peace.
● Thank you for reading ●
● •
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© 2021 @yaziris.
@yaziris
This is just... perfect for my community, and for the mindset I had when creating it. I could only hope the gentleman in your story, had the possibility of being here, on the Blockchain. I'm certain there are so many that would be willing to help extend a hand, as well as listen (read) what stories could be learned.
You've named several people I know... having been here on the Blockchain since 2017, many names are familiar, while some I interact with daily. I'm glad to know you've been able to meet them.
From your post:
I just couldn't agree more... Thank you for posting in my Community. And please... continue to share your positive and truthful content with us.
!LUV !WINE @tipu curate
It was my pleasure to post in this community, I wanted to since a while ago. But thought it'd be better to get more acquainted first.
It's very thoughtful of you to care for the guy in my story, just don't worry about it, he'll be fine.
I'm glad to know you've been able to meet them.I just don't think it's a good idea to dive much into his stories, they can be too gory. lol
But I will be writing generally in #thoughtfuldailypost more for sure.
I'm glad that I've met them. ❤
Thank you @wesphilbin for reading and for your kind words!
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@wesphilbin(2/10) gave you
What a touching post, i was filled with emotion while going through this post, just like some people are rejoicing and having fun during Christmas, some are people are dealing with loneliness and some are sad as well due to the situation of things around.
Even though it was celebrated with loneliness, just like you said, we should always appreciate the little we have , I could understand the feelings from afar, just be fine and stay save.
May the joy of Christmas remain with you always.. have a Blissful day ahead.🤗
Thanks for reading and for your kind words.
I never experience loneliness personally, but I feel for those who do.
Thank you for the nice wishes, and I wish you the same too! 🙂
It's a thing I will never pray to experience, because I don't think I can cope with it.
You truely are a writer who can bring emotion out from people just with your words. What a lovely post this was, beautiful and touching.
Btw I am the type of person who doesn't like the celebrations, the holiday and all the event surrounding them, I know its weird but what can we do😅. That doesn't mean I don't like to have fun, meet new people and enjoys company of others. Yes, we exist lol.
!PIZZA for your excellent post
Yeah, I feel ya. I go too far sometimes in avoiding holidays, celebrations, etc..
I'm not sure about "writer", but as for "emotions" I seem to be skilled in making people feel uncomfortable. 🤣
Already, regretting writing that post.. Oh, well.😁
Wow! Don't know how i feel reading this post, but i'm glad towards the end when you said
"we should appreciate what we have" that's true joy and i always always make sure i've got that joy.
A thoughtful post indeed. Thanks for sharing, you're loved🌸💜
!PIZZA
It was something I started writing a while ago, but I ended up deleting 90% of it.
I probably should've just deleted it all.
Thanks for reading and for the pizza. 🤍
I'm glad you wrote this and shared. It's relatable and encouraging. Keep writing 🌸🌸
Thank you for shining a light on a very important issue. This is very close to my heart.
My pleasure. Thanks for reading!
!discovery 15
I am so honored that you used my #wintermas tag and quoted me in your post! This would also have made a good #thoughtfuldailypost for WesPhilbin's inititative! BRAVO! 💜
!PIZZA !LUV
The honor is mine! ❤
Thank you for reading, and yes, I thought it was a good fit in there, hence posted it in the #thoughtfuldailypost community, so I didn't use the tag.
!LUV back.
oh, I didn't even look to see where it was posted! Duh! 🤦♀
It's the thought that counts. And I appreciate your always suggesting my community... thank you!
!LUV
@wesphilbin(1/10) gave you
@yaziris(1/1) gave you
Whenever I am low and really struggling... RIGHT before i sink into the deepest parts of depression, I hear this little voice reminding me of something...
Whenever I am starting to focus too much on my own pain, find someone who is struggling more and pour into them.
It's effective to pull me out of my own deep sorrow about 99% of the time. When I can't change my life - I can still make a huge difference in someone else's - and THAT pours back into me in such impactful ways.
we will always have darkness and despair... but as you said - we won't always have the people in our lives that are with us now.
We can make a difference to them - love them - inspire them - bless them. And that has such real purpose in the world. Very interesting insight in this post. I hope your friend isn't suffering too terribly anymore. that sounds like a very difficult struggle for him.
Couldn't have said it any better, that's indeed a wise little voice you hear.
Don't worry about him, he's a tough cookie. He just hates it when people don't understand what he avoids talking about, and expect of him to be leading a normal life , that's why I tease him with the question. 😁I'm sorry for tagging you to such a depressing subject. hahaha
You wouldn't be a person I'd ever want to see depressed. Always cheerful and uplifting to all those around you!
Just stay wonderful as you are, and keep listening to that little voice. ❤
This is a very nice post. It was very good to fall
Thank you.
Ain't that the truth honestly you can choose to live in the dark and feel like life is picking on you which in a lot of cases yes it can be rough. But I always look for the positive in every situation as hard as it may be sometimes there is always another day and another chance at happiness. The more you live in despair the more it takes a hold of you and even though sometimes it feels like there is no hope or salvation there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel.
I Loved this thank you for sharing.
!PIZZA
As I said, when life gives us lemons, it's the best time to make a refreshing lemonade.
I'm glad you liked it, thank you for your valuable input.
For those of us that suffer from clinical depression, this is great reading. Sometimes the holidays can be sad. I find when I get too sad I try to make a list of things to be grateful for.
Thank you for sharing during the PYPT podcast! Also shared on the Untamed Sarge stream on Twitch.
It's true, coveting can have a negative effect on our psychology. It's good to stop and have a look once in a while at what we have that many others may not have.
I appreciate you stopping by, and I'm grateful to @queenstarr for sharing it in the PYPT podcast!
And of course grateful for sharing it on your twitch stream!
That is a very well written and articulated post @yaziris, and it's nice when someone from the inside looks out to see the ones out in the cold.
Thank you for your kind words James! Yes it is easy to forget those who are in the cold when we are all warmed up. It's always good to remember and try to help them out whenever and wherever we can, but they also have to try and help themselves out too.
So it was a double edged reminder 🙂
~ me
Well ME you are right. Maybe I need to add MY additional saying : where there is a string will , there is a way! The perseverance will decide the way.
I am grateful for all I have , for my family and my self found friends. I have to admitt I love a flashy party aswell but past Christmas in lockdown and this week’s Christmas in lockdown was great aswell.
Have a great day and I loved the blog
Well said, strong will and perseverance decides the way indeed.
There's nothing wrong with flashy parties if they make you happy, I've had plenty before.
I'm glad you liked the blog, hope you have a wonderful day too! ❤
#wintermas
Thanks @queenstarr for sharing on PYPT!
Oh, wow. Thank you for letting me know that, and thanks for stopping by!
That was very thoughtful of her to do that, it's sad I missed PYPT and her presentation though.
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