HELLO READERS
We are living in strange, difficult times, and particularly when the ghosts of Christmas Past return to haunt us during the bleak mid-winter where frosty winds bite hard, forcing us to reminisce the way we were before we grew older and witnessed the world changing to become increasingly unrecognisable.
This festive season is often wrapped in images of perfect joy, sparkling, glowing lights of hopes and dreams in house and shop windows all drawing our attention and curiosity towards them. Images of families lovingly gathered around a Christmas Tree singing Christmas carols bellowing the sounds of fun and laughter in the air all adding to the rich facade of everything being fine and dandy. However, somewhere beneath the surface of all that merriment, hidden away are hearts that tremble and weep unnoticed in the shadows. Not everyone is filled with glad tidings and goodwill for their own private reasons.
Some are grieving whilst sitting next to an empty chair remembering or hearing the screaming silence where there were once the familiar sounds and images of loved ones who are sadly no longer with us to hug and feel close to. Many people are stretched to manage whilst plagued by financial strain doing their best to give what they can whilst feeling the pressure of what they can no longer afford. They feel exhausted to the core in ways that can’t be seen nor even believed, burned out, overwhelmed, trying to hold themselves together, but only just. Life isn’t easy for everyone, but some will never understand no appreciate what’s involved and the tremendous sacrifices made.
All we can do is our best in an effort to get through each day, and even that has a question mark hovering over it. The season of jubilation can greatly magnify everything that is missing and the pain it causes: It shines a light on absence, loneliness and the ache of unmet expectations. Often, behind a strained smile, or polite niceties, there lies a quiet storm brewing that no one else knows about. This is why kindness, empathy and compassion matters more now than ever before. Move gently through this supposed season of jollification by looking a little deeper with softer eyes whilst listening with a sympathetic ear. Just be mindful that everyone we meet is carrying their own weight in burdens. The smallest act of kindness and caring is powerful enough to create a shift of energy enough to lift the spirit needed to restore their hope and faith in the future. These things cost nothing but our time, yet it can mean everything to a desperate soul.
Sometimes the most precious gift we can give isn’t wrapped in glitzy paper with bows and bells, or even very expensive. It is our presence that reassures a person that they are seen, heard, supported, and not forgotten during their hardest season of the year. A friend in need is a friend indeed.
In a world that can be overwhelming, be the one who shines a light in the darkness of another person’s life.
LOVE AND LIGHT,
LINDA AND THE LULAS XXX
