Not So Merry

The holidays are a time when most of us are supposed to be celebrating a significant holiday and the beginning of the new year. Unfortunately, for many of us, this time of the year can be when we experience a great deal of distress and are not in any kind of celebratory mood. I know for me Christmas was an anxiety-provoking occasion when I was a child. We were poor and my father was an alcoholic. I never knew what was going to happen regarding his behavior and didn’t expect much would be under our Christmas tree. Others I know have had the unfortunate experience of a major life tragedy that occurred near or on one of the holidays forever marking the time as sad, traumatic or anxiety provoking. Many people find themselves alone on the holiday, estranged from family or friends or caught in dysfunctional family situations. What is one to do?

My tonic has become online peer support groups. They are a place where people come together and help each other with life challenges. For this reason, I have just completed a series on our HeyPeers platform called “Building Holiday Resilience, Preparing for 2024.” During the four weekly meetings we explored Light Therapy, How to Stay Active, Good Sleep Habits and Creating a Personal Mission Statement as ways to promote energy and direction in our lives.

Of course my Christmas experience can still be problematic. Fortunately, even though the memories are still there, I have learned that I am no longer that small, worried child. I have acquired tools and techniques to make the season brighter. I participate in two men’s groups and I am surrounded by a loving family that has become my new reality.

I will be hosting an interactive session on Christmas morning at 11am Eastern, 8am Pacific for all who would like to be with others who seek a better holiday experience. Please join me on HeyPeers . com by going there beforehand, looking for the Not So Merry – Restoring Holiday Cheer meeting on the 25th. There will be no charge for this session. Please register here