finding the best in the holidays

Stress abounds. Debt increases by geometric proportions. Families, bless them, can be as much a source of our difficulties as they are a solution. Expectations of others regularly go unmet, to say nothing of those we place on ourselves. Typically there are far too many obligations to be fulfilled within anyone's twenty-four/seven. And did I mention depression? In fact, 'tis the season to be depressed!

But wait, let's not get too carried away. One more Grinch is not what we need. After all, much of what we read during this season speaks to the stress and strain of the holidays and, thankfully, provides good guidance for surviving. So at the risk of appearing to minimize the challenges that the holidays bring us, can't we spend a little time emphasizing the more positive aspects?

The holidays really are intended to be a joyful time of the year. Whether we observe Chanukah, Christmas, Ramadan, Kwanza, or another, a common theme in all is the celebration of GIVING. No, not just the giving of presents to others, but a joyful celebration of what has been given to us.

They are a time of RENEWAL. Renewal of faith; renewal of commitments; renewal of friendships. Even when family ties are strained, the holidays offer an opportunity for renewal of relationships if only for a day or two at the time.

Peace on Earth, KINDNESS to all. Sound vaguely familiar? What better time to practice acts of charity without getting caught doing so. Caring for persons less fortunate is even considered by some to be a true remedy for holiday depression. Soup kitchens, emergency shelters and community clothing banks can always use good volunteers.

And HOPE. Viktor Frankl, while imprisoned at Auschwitz, came to believe that the presence of hope equaled the presence of life. The holidays remind us of continuing hope for the world. In spite of the distress that we see on the news, the reason we celebrate this time of the year is that we believe there is hope for the small and for the great. And it is that hope that further enriches our lives.

Still struggling with the challenges? That's OK. We all are. Putting things into their proper perspective is not easy and may be more difficult than solving the problems themselves. Either way, that's what Tanner EAP is here for. Let us help you with the problems and with the perspective. Call us. 770.834.8327