This season also reminds me of the classic novel, “The Tales of Two Cities” by Charles Dickens. “It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.” As a therapist I have learned the holiday season swells a wave of depression and even increases suicide. While for others new beginnings, happy times, and exciting life lasting memories are created around tables, trees and celebrations.
As I am beginning to transition between a former way of life to a new way of living I find myself ebbing back and forth between the feelings of sadness and despair and the anticipation of what could be. As my closest friends have been sailing along side of me, with life preserver on call, I have been challenged to face my present storm with thankfulness. My dear friend told me that before my feet even hit the floor each morning I should write down at least five things to be thankful for. Because she knows the depth of my current pain, she eased my burden and has allowed me write down one to three things per day to be thankful for. She told me I could even use the same one multiple times if I wanted. Her admonition was just that I find something to be thankful for each day.
The past 48 hours has provided me something that I did not expect. I sincerely hope we all have a few people in our lives who we know are there for us no matter what; friends/family who will love us despite our flaws, despite our failures and cheer us on to fulfilling our individual potential and beyond. I believe having those people in our lives is something to be truly thankful for everyday. However, I was overwhelmed with what I was shown over the past few days. For it was not ONLY those few people who have remained loyal and faithful in their support for me that have brought me laughter and strength to face today, it was the kindness and words of a few who I have never met that touched my heart deeply.
The details of the circumstances do not matter; it was the words and actions of these “strangers” in addition to the consistent support of friends that gave me a different view of the world in which I live. One “stranger” gave me over an hour of free assistance on a project I had. As we were finishing up he was led to say to me, “just know you are never alone and you will always have friends here…if you ever need anything we are here to help.” I was stunned. Twenty-four hours later I received another communication from someone I have never met, however we have had numerous interactions. She said to me, “Just know you DO have good friends that love and support you…anything you need or anytime of night you want to talk just let me know….you just have to ask and I’m there.” The goodness of people was surrounding me and the kindness that showered me was from faces I would not even recognize. The goodness and love of humankind penetrated deep these past few days. These chance encounters gave me a beautiful gift this season.
It may be the best of times for some and for me it feels a little like the worst of times. However, as I take a step back and look for things to be thankful for, so I can fulfill my commitment of keeping a gratitude journal (let’s be honest of the motive); I was given a beautiful bridge that I can choose to use to cross over the raging waters of my life. It is a bridge that consists of people who are the closest of friends and others I do not even know but all pour out goodness and love in generous quantities. As I take each unsure step, it is my hope that through the journey I will daily realize what a true gift this bridge is and that I too can be a part of someone else’s bridge.
