Wendel Abel, Contributor
DEAR FRIEND:
I KNOW that for you, this year has been a difficult and challenging one. For those of us who have lost loved ones, family members and friends, we share in your pain and grief.
The economic challenges have placed great stress and strain on us as we struggle to make ends meet, to balance the budget. We see our standard of living declining.
Crime and violence continue to plague this society and we still live in an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
Let us approach the end of another year with inner reflections; let us take stock of our lives. This is a period for self-renewal, self-restoration, self- revival and redemption.
We need to remind ourselves that we are survivors. That despite the challenges, the pain, the hurt and the personal sufferings and afflictions, we have survived.
So friend, as we enter into the Christmas season, remember life is to be enjoyed not endured. Let us count our many blessings and though we should not forget the bad times, let us focus on the good and pleasant moments. Let us, this season, find time to celebrate life, its achievement, its successes, its high moments and above all, let us celebrate with friends.
Some of the most precious and memorable moments are those we have spent with loved ones and friends and very often, to enjoy these moments, we do not need money. These are moments to share memories, ideas and to scatter seeds of love and kindness. This holiday, let us try to remember friends and family. Those whom you have not seen in years or spoken with in a long while. Let us reconnect with them.
The holidays present many opportunities to build bridges. Malice, pain, hurt, anger are negative emotions and they sap us of our creative energy, vitality and keep us fixed in the past. If you are entrapped by these negative emotions, release them. Take an opportunity to mend a quarrel, forgive an enemy and apologise for some wrongdoing.
Find time to take care of yourself. You have worked hard this year and sacrificed a lot. Treat yourself for once this season. You deserve it. Remember life is short and one day, we all must die and leave everything behind. So make sure you find time to enjoy this life and make this place a better place for others.
Remember the less fortunate. The sick, those who are dying, children living in various institutions, the shut-ins, the poor, those living in shelters. This holiday let us find time to remember and share with them.
Let us scatter seeds of love, joy, hope and to remember to worship your God as we celebrate. Make this a special holiday.
I leave with you these words today, by poet, Gordon Lindsay:
Question but live and labour,
'Till your goal be won.
Helping every feeble neighbour,
Asking help from none.
Life is mainly froth and bubbles
Two things stand like stone
Kindness in another struggle,
Courage in your own.
Dr. Wendel Abel is a Consultant Psychiatrist and Senior Lecturer, University of the West Indies.
