A friend of mine is suffering from depression. Not only is depression difficult, but it is especially difficult during the holiday season. The days are growing shorter and darker, everyone is either complaining about the shopping/baking/Christmas cards or relentlessly upbeat...
So today, I am suggesting random acts of kindness towards friends. Not gifts, not a toy to Toys for Tots (although this is a worthy cause: click here to find places to bring the toys). Instead, take a moment to send a non-Christmas card or note to a friend who might need a quiet word of love. It doesn't have to say much. Just let them know that you are thinking of them. So many people in my life have had loved ones die (and they never "get over it"--every year is a struggle), or been divorced, or "just" suffer from clinical depression.
For inspiration, you might check out Very Truly Julie, a lovely blog by a great wordsmith. You might also consult "9 Holiday Depression Busters" on Beliefnet and see how you can be proactive. For example, you might offer to have your friend's children over on a random Saturday morning or schoolday afternoon so that friend can have a few moments of peace. Or you could show up with a healthy meal that boosts their energy levels--that means a salad, not a casserole! (Although you COULD show up at my house with a casserole!) You might even offer to address envelopes, or stand in line at the post office ("I am going there anyway," you could say--which is probably true!).
To Do: Make a burden light(er).
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1 comment:
THat was nice, and so true! The written letter or snail mail card sent for no reason has become a lost art! We all need to look out for others. Very nice!
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