Do you have the Holiday Blues?

Having the "Holiday Blues" is a real thing. Many people do not always enjoy the holidays. Some find this hard to believe, and others find it hard to explain why they dislike the holidays. Depression and anxiety is a real issue in this world, and sometimes the holidays don't always help. For many, we look forward to shopping and baking. Spending time with family, having dinner, and throwing a New Years Eve party. On the other hand, many people become lost, confused, and lonely during the holidays. I believe this stems from not always having good memories tied to the holiday seasons. If during childhood someone did not get to celebrate a holiday, or they didn't get to be with family, or there was just a disconnection between love and hope. Some people are alone when everyone is busy for the holidays. Some don't get to be with family or friends. Not everyone receives gifts or has money to give gifts. Thus, this can cause holiday blues. Let me tell you, if you have this feeling, you are not alone. I normally am the most petty, happy, go-lucky holiday spirited person. Even I am struggling finding excitement and joy during this season. However the holidays are a busy time. A lot of us are students and we have been stressed about finals and vacation time. Or working while trying to find time for yourself. Just know that you are not alone. You may feel alone or lost. You may feel unloved or not important. But you ARE NOT those things. You may not have family to go be with, or a friend to exchange gifts with, but you are loved. You are important. I don't care what anyone says or how you feel reading this. This message is meant to bring a glimpse of hope, faith, and love to whoever reads it. I want others to be as happy as they can be. I want people to take care of themselves and try to kick those holiday blues away. I also, want my holiday blues to turn into Holiday Happiness. Life sucks sometimes. But there are so many beautiful people in this world. People who desperately will do anything for those they love. People who give unexpected gifts. People who hold the hands of those struggling and give them a shoulder to cry on. And there are people in this world who will never give up on you. Overall, you have to be willing to let others in. Let them change you and help you move forward in your life. Maybe one year your holiday season will finally start to excite you! Setting up a tree or decorating your home. Going shopping and wrapping gifts. Or finding a new friend or family to spend the holidays with. Don't be discouraged. Look for the light in the darkness. I know depression and anxiety is hard. I suffer from both sometimes too. I witness others in my family and my friends who go through it. It isn't fun to watch either. And sometimes there is nothing more we can do that we haven't already tried. SO for people reading this that struggle with helping someone else with anxiety or depression, read these words: YOU CAN'T LET THEM BRING YOU DOWN IF YOU GAVE EVERYTHING YOU COULD. If you tried your best and took the time and energy and love to try and rescue someone from themselves, and they still can't shake it, then don't feel bad or feel that you are giving up. They have to somehow find a way to do it alone. Then they will realize someday what you tried to do for them. Take care of yourself first. And here is a few good quotes to live by:

"When life gets hard, observe it. It is trying to teach you something." -Buddha

Psalm 46: 1-3 "God is our refuge and strength, and ever-present help in trouble. Therefore, we do not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though the waters get high and soar above our heads."

Nehemiah 41:10 "Do not grieve, for the joy of the Lord is your strength."

Remember that the holidays are a time to FORGIVE and FORGET your troubles. Set aside your PRIDE. Be PATIENT. And most important LOVE hard. LOVE easy. And LOVE the life you've been given. Our lives could be taken away in an instant. So don't waste your time and energy holding on to anger, hurt, bad memories, or hate. Forgive yourself so you can forgive others. And make your health a priority. Whether you suffer with anxiety or depression or anything else, take the time to remind yourself what you want in life and get yourself to where you need to be to get it. If you need help, pray about it. Or find someone who will be a good friend to you. Ask a family member for their help. Don't let your mind mess with your life.

I pray for everyone out there who is going through a hard and rough time this year and this holiday season. I am there with you. I want to be here for others and use my strength to help and support others. SO please, for anyone who read this. Don't be afraid to message me. Don't be afraid to text me. And don't be afraid to be you. I am more than willing to help anyone. To make plans with anyone. And to be there for them. I love people, I love stories, and I love making a difference in someones life.

I pray everyone has an amazing holiday season. Cherish your memories. Cherish yourself. Cherish those you love around you.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Year