When things go wrong, as they sometimes do, I’m reminded by this slogan to hold on loosely; when things are going well, as they sometimes do too, I remember to hold on loosely but treasure each moment. Nothing lasts forever, and this too shall pass.
I made a choice yesterday in reaction to confusion, anger, and fear—none of which are, of course, good foundations for decision-making. I decided to stay off Facebook until December 26th. There had been too much sadness, arguing, and general ugliness which I witnessed, and there were some other personal issues involved.
Holidays can be so difficult, especially if we have lost a loved one during this time of year. A staggering 25% of losses occur during the holidays, for various reasons. What happened last Friday will add to your stress and difficulty, if you let it.
I don’t always remember to hold on loosely, but when I do, it makes it much easier to practice that other tried and true slogan Let go and Let God. Just—let it go. It doesn’t mean we don’t feel sad and concerned about the families going through this holiday without their loved ones recently lost in Newtown, Connecticut. It means we give it to God, because it’s too big for us to hold. And YOU have a life to live . . . that’s not selfish, that’s a fact.
Take care of yourselves, and each other when you can. Be sure you get plenty of zzz’s (some people swear by five hours of sleep, but it’s recommended that we get between 7-9 hours of sleep a night. Eat properly. This means sitting down once in a while and not standing at the microwave, unconsciously eating while you ruminate about your to-do list. Pray. Pray again. Even if you’re not sure you believe, what can it hurt? Play. If you are living in an area of the world lucky enough to have snow right now, go out and build a snowman. I saw a hilarious picture of a snowman built upside down, with the arm sticks pushing down into the snow, as if he were doing a headstand.
Caveat: I feel it’s important to say here that I don’t always follow my own advice, so that’s a gentle warning to you, dear reader. 😉 I don’t nearly get enough zzz’s, because I have a dog who wakes me up sometimes in the wee hours of the morning. And last night I didn’t sleep a wink, finishing paper chains for our Christmas tree. I’ve been off my diet for the past month or so, but I plan in getting right back to it today. I’m learning how to play, but I’m no expert. So the words you read here on this blog are written by an extremely fallible human being.
But I do believe that this too shall pass.
Peace out. 
Recovery Along Route 66 
Thank you for this reminder. My issues are different — though being a mother I can’t be oblivious to the pain of the mothers in Connecticut, or totally avoid the thought that this could have been one of my kids, or the grandkids I don’t have yet — but the concept is the same. It’s a very difficult and stressful time for everybody. Big hugs and warm thoughts, and yes, do what you need to do to take care of yourself. (And I will get my Christmas cards done this year, even if they’re more like New Year’s cards…)
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Big hugs back to you, Bonnie. And only do what you can do–if you don’t get Christmas cards out this year, would that be the worst thing? BTW, I only just mailed mine yesterday, so they might be more like New Year’s cards . . . lol. It’s more than (believe it or not) what happened last Friday. But I’ll deal with it…and it will be okay. If I don’t talk to you before Christmas, I hope it’s merry and family-filled. 🙂 You take care, too, okay?
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Not the worst thing in the world, no, but it would be, um, three years in a row? People are starting to wonder what happened to me.
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Thank you! I needed to hear this today. Not because of last Friday — just general stress of the kind that often suffuses my life.
As for your decision about FB, it makes perfect sense to me. For example, I have friends on both sides of the gun-control issues. A lot of people are saying things they may well regret later. Rather than becoming one of them, I’m only stopping in long enough to wish friends happy birthday, maybe cheer an accomplishment if it’s at the top of my news feed, and (*blush*) play a little Bejeweled Blitz. I have enough stress in my life without letting others add to it; I’m sure you do, too.
Thanks again for the wise words this morning!
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Erin, I’m glad this helped you. That’s wise, picking when and how you get on FB. I can’t stop myself from reading once there, so I found a program called No Procrastination (it’s a google thingamabob) which blocks me from going to sites like that. When I try to click on FB a picture of Uncle Sam pops up and the caption reads “You should be working!” LOL It’s the greatest.
Here’s hoping both of our lives calm down a little very soon.
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I needed this today. That’s exactly it, isn’t it? It’s hard to forget that no one is measuring my compassion, grief, or even victories and joys- by how tightly I’m holding it. I was reminded (in two ways, completely unrelated- so it feels God-ish) that heartbreaking tragedy around this time of year isn’t new to humanity or God. Around the time Christ was born, a whole community was grieving the murder of baby boys. And I think the difference between the way people responded then and now- is the grip we have on tragedy like that. It’s not about a lack of feeling, it’s about loosening our hold on it and letting God, in whatever way that comes, bear the bulk of burden. So thank you for this.
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Lynn,
I’m so glad you stopped by to read and reply. When I think of holding on loosely it reminds me of being a little kid and sitting on my dad’s shoulders while he carried me high up in the air. I was never afraid. I held on when he moved, but most of the time I rested my hands on top of his head. To me that’s like ultimate trust in a Higher Power.
-Chris
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