We are entering the festive season. It is a time spent with family and friends. Relationships are strengthened, achievements are celebrated and we are in a season where we can slow down and enjoy each other’s company. Or is it? Many people in the community fear the festive season. It’s a time that reminds them about absent loved ones, and seemingly unrepairable relationships. Where others celebrate achievements, they are reminded about the troubles the year brought and of their own failures. Many times there is no one to spend the festive season with. We take the joys of the festive season as a given and often forget the darker side of the festive season. It is the time feared by many. It is not nice to be alone on Christmas day, or not to have the finances for even a simple meal on the day. Then we haven’t even thought about the absence of a Christmas gift to be spoiled with… If the festive season is a season to fear for you, there is no need to wallow in your misery and to accept it as the status quo. A mind shift about your “difficult” circumstances will take you a long way. Use your fearing season to mend broken relationships. Utilise the slower pace to reach out to someone. It is the best way to take the focus off you own hardships by an outward focus. In the outward focus you rediscover the joys you might have lost. Did you make mistakes this year that blocks your vision this festive season? Take control over the things you have control over. There is no mistake so big that it cannot be rectified. Wherever you find yourself on the continuum of Festive season/Fearing season, there is hope to be found on both ends. The solutions are inside you. It is all about your attitude towards yourself, others and life. Make your mind shift and experience the FEAST in the festive season.
Alida Jooste – Social Worker and Manager Community Care