Help Wanted

First of all, is it only us or did it just seem to skip from like August to November? Time is literally flying around here and if you celebrate Hanukkah, there are only a few more weeks to actually procure gifts. We have not actually bought anything because our brain still thinks it is Summer, so panic is starting to set in. Those who celebrate Christmas, you are just fine and have 51 days, so no need to panic just yet.

Feeling overwhelmed during the holidays seems par for the course for a lot of people. There are so many things to do, buying the gifts, wrapping the gifts, sending the gifts and then there is seeing the family. For some people going home is the highlight of their year, it is a joyous celebration with their favorite people, it is a safe place to land. For others, going to see family is akin to having a root canal, the pain is excruciating and you pray it ends quickly.

Then for no reason and for every reason, she burst into tears.
-Karelia Stetz-Waters

Here is a hard and fast truth, faithful readers, the holidays are supposed to be joyful, upcoming is Diwali, Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, and Christmas and while some of these holidays have less than joyful origins, the purpose of acknowledging the holiday is based on the assumption that it should bring you joy. If that is not the case, then it is okay to revamp your holiday traditions and expectations. It is also okay and healthy to acknowledge if you need help, support, and counseling, because life at the moment is not a joy and perhaps hasn’t been for awhile.

One of the most important things you can do on this earth is to let people know they are not alone. -Shannon L. Alder

As the holiday season ramps up, know that this year can be different if you decide things need to change. How you may ask, and to that we answer, ask for help. We understand that for a lot of you, doing everything on your own is how you have always done it, because you are strong and independent. Needing someone seems weak, but darling reader, we all need help sometimes. Our hearts yearn for support, love, a helping hand, a kind word and encouragement

I'm starting to think this world is just a place for us to learn that we need each other more than we want to admit. -Richelle E. Goodrich

Things you can do differently this year:

1. Commit to coming on the site at least once a week
You don’t have to give support if you feel depleted, you can just post or read other’s posts. Share what is going on in your life, just getting your thoughts out into the world can ease a huge weight off your shoulders.

There is not a lot you can see when there are tears in your eyes. -Alain Bremond-Torrent

2. Allow yourself to make selfish decisions
If you don’t want to get a million presents, don’t. If you want to celebrate a holiday without family, do it. If you want to make new traditions, then make them. Life is short and if you are making yourself miserable for a family who is frankly toxic, make 2021 the year where you say, enough.

I saw a girl who races to help others but doesn't help herself. And right now you need to help yourself. No one should walk up the aisle feeling inferior or in a different league or trying to be something they're not.
-Sophie Kinsella

3. Give to your community
Plan ways to give during the holiday season. Some ideas that come to mind are leaving out snacks for delivery workers if you are an online shopper or get groceries delivered often. Volunteer at your local food bank, food banks always need extra help and donations around the holidays. Fulfill a child’s Christmas wish through the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program or Toys for Tots.

Our legacy is not found in all the 'stuff' we’ve accumulated on our life’s journey. It’s written in the memories of those whose lives we’ve touched along the way. -Justin Young

2021 has been a trying year with the pandemic still sweeping through our communities, but things are looking up with vaccinations numbers going up and kids as young as five being eligible to be vaccinated. In the midst of a pandemic we have given and asked for support. We have had our highs and our lows, we have managed our mental health and lived our lives as best we could. We hope as we go through the holiday season you will look back on your year with pride. You are strong, capable and amazing. You inspire us every single day.

Thank you for being vulnerable and asking for support, thank you for being brave and offering support.

All the very best,
Team SG