Can Winter Make You SAD?

Remember that REM song, Everybody Hurts?

When you're sure you've had enough of this life
Well hang on
Don't let yourself go
Cause everybody cries
And everybody hurts
Sometimes

The author of these lyrics finds the words to the emotions we all feel. And if we look around us it seems to be more true than ever during this time of the year. Sure, there is lots of excitement in the air with presents to be bought and opened and parties to be attended, and family gatherings to enjoy.

But in the midst of it all, everybody hurts. No matter what your holiday schedule holds, we all sense that something or someone is missing this holiday season. It’s a feeling I understand. Here I am, a decade out from my mothers death and yet somehow, the holidays will never be the same without her. For other friends and family, they are mourning the loss of their child, spouse, or health.

For all of us, it leaves a sense of “YES, BUT”. A thankful YES To celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus Christ and all the frenzy that comes with it, but a BUT because everybody hurts.

Other than acknowledging this pain, what else can we do to make the season brighter?

Don’t go it alone. Jesus modeled this for us as he walked, talked and ate with those around him. Don’t be afraid to share your pain and emotions with those around you. Trust me, you are not alone and you were not meant to be alone. No one wants you to suffer in silence.

Take advantage of the gifts of the season. Go for a drive and look at the Christmas lights and decorations. Turn on the Christmas music. Find a church with a Christmas Eve service and attend it. There can be something magical about singing Silent Night and a candlelit room.

If you know you’re struggling with a sense of ho-hum, give this week’s episode of The Problem With Perfect podcast a listen. In it, we focus specifically on SAD (Seasonal Affective Disorder), which is certainly applicable now and in the weeks to come. I hope you’ll find the strategies for combatting SAD helpful in overcoming the hurt that we all experience.

To listen to the episode, click here: https://apple.co/3ai6ym5